Messi Will Be Absent At The Best FIFA Football Awards

It has been confirmed by the Catalan Club that Lionel Messi will be absent at The Best FIFA Football Awards on Monday. Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, Luis Suarez and other players who were due to travel to the ceremony in Zurich will also remain in Spain to prepare for Wednesday's Copa del Rey game against Athletic Bilbao.

Messi was nominated for The Best FIFA Men's Player, but is expected to lose out to Cristiano Ronaldo, as he did in the Ballon d'Or last month. Instead Barca's travelling party will be led by President Josep Maria Bartomeu, who will be joined by a number of the club's various directors.

In A Statement By Barcelona
"With the aim of prioritising preparations for Wednesday's game against Athletic Bilbao, FC Barcelona have decided that the players recognised in the Gala The Best FIFA Awards, which takes place on Monday in Zurich, will not be travelling to Switzerland for the ceremony. 

The club's delegation is led by president Josep Maria Bartomeu, sporting vice president Jordi Mestre, director Silvio Elias, CEO Oscar Grau, Albert Soler [director of professional sports], Robert Fernandez [first team technical secretary] and Raul Sanllehi [director of football].

FC Barcelona thank FIFA, its president Gianni Infantino and the executive structure for the organisation's help in being able to take part in today's gala. The club expresses their recognition and support for the Best FIFA Awards."

So sad for the Barca Star. But it has happened already. Ronaldo,  its all yours...