By Messi's unbelievably high standards, 2014 has been one of the less productive years of his career. He's still been the second-best player in the world, however. Given the criticism he has received from some quarters, you'd think he would have been woeful, yet he still finished the 2013/14 season with 41 goals in 46 appearances and won the 2014 World Cup Golden Ball; awarded, somewhat surprisingly in Messi's case, to the best player at the tournament. He was good, but there were plenty who played better. The 27-year-old has struggled fitness-wise, and as sensational as Cristiano Ronaldo has been, when both are at their top level possible, there is no questioning that Messi is the more superior player. The Argentinian's recent form has been magnificent, and he has 21 goals already this season. He has become the all-time top scorer in both the Champions League and La Liga in recent weeks, which considering his age, is staggering. Messi may have tweaked his role in the Barcelona side ever so slightly- he doesn't quite have the incredible burst of pace he once had, but he's still quick- to more of a creator than a scorer- his statistics would prove otherwise in 2014/15, in fairness- but he remains a truly special footballer with an unrivalled combination of speed, dribbling, creativity and goals. In the eyes of many, he is the greatest to have ever played the game, and he still has so many years in front of him. Honourable mentions: Arjen Robben and Gareth Bale
