Who Will Dethrone Lionel Messi as the World's Best Player?

Contributor Written on July 26, 2009

Slide 1 of 15

ROME - MAY 27: Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates scoring the second goal for Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League Final match between Barcelona and Manchester United at the Stadio Olimpico on May 27, 2009 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Jasper Juinen

Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

Being that it's the twilight of summer means that the 2008-09 season is long done with. And while Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year honors will not given until the end this year and the beginning of next, respectively, it's blatantly clear that Lionel Messi will win them.

The Barcelona forward stormed the footballing world as he led his side to an unprecedented feat. Barcelona were the first team to win a Spanish treble consisting of the League, Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. They were also just the second team to tally over 100 goals in a season during league play.

- 38 goals in all competitions
- Top Scorer in the UEFA Champions League
- Second highest scorer in Copa del Rey
- 4th highest scorer in La Liga

The statistics alone are enough for him to praised as the world number one. And when you consider his majestic and clutch play, along with the consistency to produce with seemingly every touch, it's impossible to really believe someone else is currently better.

Yet with a new season on the horizon the question is now who will succeed the Argentine as the globe's best player. In this slideshow, we will look at the ten men who will most likely challenge Messi for his title. Some are no strangers to the recognition, while others are poised for seasons to launch them into such spotlight. So Lionel, here's your personal competition for this season...

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Who Will Dethrone Lionel Messi as the World's Best Player?

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Who Will Dethrone Lionel Messi as the World's Best Player?

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