LIONEL MESSI was snubbed as L’Equipe announced their 2020 World XI.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Kevin De Bruyne all made the cut for the notoriously harsh critics.
How L’Equipe lined up their 2020 World XI
Lionel Messi was snubbed by the French newspaperCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But Messi, despite still racking up competitive numbers, was overlooked.
The Argentine shocked the world by attempting to force his way out of Barcelona back in August.
After it became apparent that he would have to take his boyhood club to court in order to leave, however, he performed a U-turn and decided to get on with things.
Much has been made of the 33-year-old’s body language and performances as Ronald Koeman’s side have toiled in LaLiga this season.
Despite all this, however, he managed 26 goals in 44 club appearances in 2020, also laying on 23 assists.
Not bad for someone having a supposedly poor year.
Meanwhile, at 35, Ronaldo managed an astonishing 41 goals in 39 outings during 2020 – although provided a comparatively paltry six assists.
These set-ups take CR7’s goal involvements for the year to 47… two behind those of Messi.
Top forwards in 2020
Lionel Messi: P44 G26 A23
Cristiano Ronaldo: P39 G41 A6
Neymar: P27 G19 A10
Robert Lewandowski: P38 G45 A12
Over in France, playing on L’Equipe’s doorstep, Neymar played just 27 times, owing to injuries, Covid-19 and Ligue 1’s curtailed 2019-20 season.
The Brazilian managed 19 goals and ten assists.
L’Equipe’s other forward, Robert Lewandowski, is a man whose merits for inclusion cannot be questioned.
The Pole, in addition to winning the German treble last season, scored a stunning 45 goals in 38 appearances during 2020, while chipping in with a useful 12 assists – deservedly being named the Best Fifa Men’s Player.
Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne is the team’s No10.
Thiago Alcantara and Joshua Kimmich’s inclusions in midfield were presumably no-brainers, as the best partnership in Europe last season.
PSG star Neymar made the French publication’s XICredit: Reuters
Kevin De Bruyne had another stunning year for Manchester CityCredit: Reuters
Robert Lewandowski was crowned the 2020 Best Fifa Men’s PlayerCredit: AFP
And Bayern were also represented by starlet Alphonso Davies, as well as stalwart Manuel Neuer.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk join Liverpool team-mate Thiago in the team – while Sergio Ramos is the only inclusion from Real Madrid.
As for Messi, the rumour mill continues to churn away when it comes to where his future lies.
Barca’s No10 is not only being linked with the likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, but also opened the door to a future move to MLS.
He told Spanish TV station La Sexta: “I’ve always had the dream of playing in another league, in the United States.
“Maybe it will happen, doesn’t have to be right away. Today I am just focused on these next six months.”
Barcelona legend Lionel Messi collects record 7th Pichichi Award
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
