Messi named in 14th consecutive Fifpro world XI

Lionel Messi was named in his 14th consecutive Fifpro world XI after missing out on Fifa’s The Best Men’s Player award.

The Argentine star, 33, was named in the three-man shortlist for the prestigious award.

But he and Cristiano Ronaldo – holding 11 Ballons d’Or between them – lost out to red-hot Robert Lewandowski.

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The Polish striker, 32, scored 60 goals in just 52 games during the period judged – at least 20 more than any other player in Europe’s Big Five leagues.

Ronaldo hilariously looked far from impressed when Lewandowski was announced as winner.

But both he and Messi did have something to smile about at Thursday evening’s ceremony.

The star pair were named alongside Lewandowski in the front-three of the 2020 Fifpro world XI.

And it was a good night for Liverpool too, with FOUR players making the team.

Alisson – who missed out on the Men’s Best Goalkeeper award to Manuel Neuer – beat the German to the starting spot in the Fifpro XI.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk both made the back-four after helping Liverpool to their first-ever Premier League title in 2019-20.

The Reds duo joined Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos and Bayern Munich wonderkid Alphonso Davies in the back-line.

In midfield, Thiago Alcantara – who only recently joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich – joined Kevin De Bruyne and Joshua Kimmich in a central trio.

Ronaldo, Messi and Lewandowski capped off an outrageously talented team up front.

Elsewhere at the awards show, Tottenham star Son Heung-min won the Puskas award for best goal for his stunning solo strike against Burnley last season.

And Jurgen Klopp won the Men’s Best Coach award beating Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa.