Atletico Madrid defender Filipe Luis has claimed that The Best Fifa Men's Player Award has lost credibility after Barcelona star Lionel Messi was left off the three-man shortlist.
Despite Messi scoring 45 goals in 54 games for Barcelona last season, he didn't make the cut, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Mohamed Salah all being selected.
It is the first time that Messi, who has won the award or the equivalent five times, hasn't made the shortlist since 2006.
Lionel Messi was surprisingly not among the nominees for The Best Fifa Men's Player Award
Luis was left bewildered by Messi's omission from the shortlist.
As reported by , Luis said: 'The award is for the best player in the world - and that today for me is Messi.
'As in the past years.
When he's not there, the award loses its credibility.
'It doesn't matter if somebody wins the World Cup or the Champions League, he is the best.'
Atletico Madrid defender Filipe Luis was surprised by Messi's omission from the shortlist
(left to right): Cristiano Roanldo, Luka Modric and Mohamed Salah - the three nominees for hosted goautodial The Best Fifa Men's Player Award