Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo Battle Europe’s Best For Major Honor

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were some named arsenic finalists for nan 2025 FIFPRO Men’s World 11.

The 2 greats, who some missed retired connected nominations for nan 2025 Ballon d’Or award, guidelines among nan biggest superstars successful nan crippled connected nan 26-player shortlist for this year’s World 11.

The finalists, voted for by complete 20,000 men’s footballers, are astir each players dominating successful Europe’s apical 5 leagues. Reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé and runner-up Lamine Yamal header nan list, on pinch Kylian Mbappé and Mohamed Salah.

In fact, location are only 2 individuals playing extracurricular of Europe to make nan shortlist: Messi and Ronaldo. The erstwhile arch rivals earned nan motion for their standout performances pinch Inter Miami and Al Nassr respectively.

The 2025 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 factors successful performances from July 15, 2024 to Aug. 3, 2025. During that time, Messi helped assistance nan Herons to nan 2024 Supporters’ Shield. The Argentine besides won nan MLS MVP award.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, continued his power successful nan Saudi Pro League while besides starring Portugal to UEFA Nations League glory complete defending European champions Spain.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo (right) were staples of erstwhile FIFPRO Men’s World 11s. / Olivier Morin/AFP/Getty Images

Despite Messi and Ronaldo making nan shortlist, nan likelihood are stacked against nan 2 superstars to make nan last 2025 FIFPRO Men’s World 11.

The six different forwards battling for a spot successful this year’s World 11 are arsenic follows:

It is difficult to ideate Messi aliases Ronaldo earning much votes than nan likes of Europe’s astir ascendant forwards from past season. Still, it is simply a testament to nan 2 greats’ longevity and unparalleled accomplishment that they still find themselves among nan adjacent procreation of football’s brightest stars.

Plus, caller history is against nan 2 legends. Last year, Messi was overlooked for nan 2024 World 11 for nan first clip successful 17 years. Ronaldo, meanwhile, has not featured since 2021.

Messi and Ronaldo will find retired their fates connected Monday, Nov. 3, erstwhile nan charismatic 2025 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 is revealed.

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