FIFA Player of the Year power rankings: Can Chelsea star win it?

Chelsea's Italian midfielder Jorginho reacts at the final whistle during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge in London on August 14, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

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PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 14: Lionel Messi of PSG during the new recruits of PSG presentation ahead of the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint Germain (PSG) and RC Strasbourg Alsace at Parc des Princes stadium on August 14, 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images) /

2. Lionel Messi (Barcelona/Paris Saint-Germain

Lionel Messi, the greatest player in modern football (if not ever), takes the No. 2 spot due to his extraordinary performance last season. The now-Paris Saint-Germain player had a fantastic individual season with Barcelona in 2020, although the club only managed to win the Copa del Rey. Domestic cups like the FA Cup and the Copa del Rey do not hold much value in these award ceremonies, so since he was unable to win La Liga, it will hurt his chances of winning the Best FIFA Men’s Player award.

Messi was absolutely dominant last season in Spain though. The 34-year-old scored 30 goals in 35 La Liga appearances and provided 11 assists, as well. He was a true team player and a legendary captain. However, for Barca, he was more than just a player, he was a crutch too. The Catalans did have 85 goals in the league, but the majority of them came from just one player and whenever the Argentine was not on the pitch, there was a noticeable drop in performance. This showed fans that the team was built around Messi and if Messi did not perform, the team did not perform either. This created a major problem and the Blaugrana only won one trophy last season.

Messi, on the other hand, after having a fantastic individual season with the Catalonian club, went on to win his first international trophy—the Copa America—in style. Not only did he captain his team to victory against Brazil in its own backyard, he also managed to win the Best Player of the Tournament, as well as the Golden Boot award. These are some amazing achievements, but his 2021/22 season has begun in a rather slow fashion. He has only played one game so far for the French side. The award takes into consideration performances of the current season, as well, so if Messi doesn’t get back to his regular form soon, he might miss out on this prestigious award.

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