The world football regulator, FIFA, on Monday afternoon announced its final three-man shortlist for its Best Player of the Year award, but much to the consternation of fans worldwide Barcelona’s talisman, Lionel Messi, was conspicuously missing.

FIFA had announced Messi’s arch-rival, Cristiano Ronaldo; Liverpool’s Egyptian forward, Mo Salah, and Real Madrid’s midfielder, Luka Modric, as the final shortlist.

Despite topping almost all known stats, Messi had had a mixed 2017/2018 season. The Argentine had the most goals, the most assists, most chances created, most dribbles, and the most MOTM awards.

However, he couldn’t lift Barca over Roma in the quarterfinal of the Champions League and Argentina from exiting the World Cup at the round of 16.

Fans, however, believed Messi’s form last season was at the least worth a podium finish in the FIFA Player of the Year award.

Expressing their disgust in tweets, they said:

Nah guys, I’m actually so fkn triggered. Awards don’t matter but you know what Messi deserves to be recognized for what he is: The best. Are we all not watching the same fkn games? Like make me understand how I can see his greatness more than qualified people who voted!

— NAZ (@FCNazalona) September 3, 2018

The agenda against Messi is simply astonishing, the man had more goals and assists than Ronaldo, Salah, and Modric last season. He carried a shit Barcelona team to two titles last season but he’s not even nominated.

I keep saying this Messi is actually underrated.

— Mod (@CFCMod_) September 3, 2018

When i knew that FIFA of infantino dislikes Messi, was when i saw FIFA 19 player rating of Ronaldo higher than Messi 94and93, plus giving Ronaldo more dribbling rating better than Messi.

I knew messi had foes in that FIFA board.. Not surprised tho!#Thebest #Fifafootballawards

— Bëáŕded Culé??? (@Thosyn_) September 3, 2018

I just feel Messi has played so well in the previous seasons that things he does now are just normal stuff he should do.

That’s how many sees him.

Man is just great.

— Onimisi (@OmarMustie) September 3, 2018

Mo Salah nominated just because he scored goals right? Won fuck all. So then what about Messi? Double standards.

— NAZ (@FCNazalona) September 3, 2018

Stat leaders in LaLiga last season:

Most goals – Leo Messi
Most assists – Leo Messi
Most chances created – Leo Messi
Most dribbles – Leo Messi
Most MOTM awards – Leo Messi

Snubbed… ? pic.twitter.com/rqUEe8ij7e

— GiveMeSport (@GiveMeSport) September 3, 2018

Lionel Messi isn’t on the shortlist for the first time since 2006

Last season he won La Liga with most goals, most assists, most chances created and most take-ons #FIFAFootballAwards pic.twitter.com/erPe4RbvCv

— bwin (@bwin) September 3, 2018

I don’t want to sound like a broken record but if we are keeping it real, in terms of individual awards given to individuals for individual performances through the year, there is no one even close to Leo Messi since September 2008. He deserved to win every single one since 2009. https://t.co/mBfQsfTbHK

— Juleh (@SxrgeBossquets) September 3, 2018

Keep your stats to yourself. Messi doesn’t deserve it.
If you feel is disgraceful. What happened in 2010 when sneidjer won the champs league and reach the world final. Messi won ballon. It’s karma ?

— onyeka benjamin (@onyekabenjamin5) September 3, 2018