Leo Messi and the 25 Most Entertaining Players to Watch in World Football

Soccer truly is the beautiful game. It has creativity, power, pace, poise, athleticism, speed, strength and entertainment.

One of my favorite sports to watch on television, though most of the world would disagree with me, it is a slow chess match with interrupted parts of absolute brilliance.

Never has the soccer world seen so many amazing, wonderfully gifted and skilled players be able to game in and game out produce spectacular goal after spectacular goal. 

Many run of the mill sports fans know some of the names of players like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but not many know about the other non-household names who are some of the most entertaining in the world. 

Let us look at some of the most entertaining players in the world today. 

Alexandre Pato

One of my favorite Brazilian players who doesn't really play that much. Pato is a huge player for AC Milan, but his national team have not found a way to put him in the proper spot on the field. 

Pato has tremendous finishing ability, and the ceiling is very high for this 21-year-old.

Robin van Persie

Robin van Persie has a tremendous shot, great versatility where he can play striker, behind the striker in the middle or on the either wing.

Van Persie has fantastic pace, great dribbling ability and is a very exciting player with the ball at his feet anywhere near the 18-yard box.

Diego Forlan

Diego Forlan was a pretty big disappointment for Manchester United, but when he moved to the Spanish division he flourished. After the 2010 World Cup, Forlan captured the ire of the entire world, especially me.

Now one of my favorite players, Forlan is one of the most underrated forwards in the world. He has one of the best work ethics during the game and is consistently putting himself in the right positions.

Landon Donovan

The American Hero. Probably the greatest American to wear a U.S. National Mens Soccer kit ever is a huge reason the Americans are ranked where they are.

He is the one player for the U.S. that without a doubt gets the people and the fans going. One cross or one fancy pass can light up an entire stadium. 

Donovan will go down as the best American soccer player to date, and his skills and highlight resume proves why.

Thierry Henry

Even though he may not be in his prime anymore and he plays in MLS, Thierry Henry is still one of the most entertaining players to watch on a soccer field. He is a big time player for the New York Red Bulls and still understands how to put the goals back in the net. 

Henry may not be a mainstay name anymore, but he still gets MLS fans on their feet.

David Beckham

David Beckham is probably the most recognizable soccer figures in the world, and for good reason.

There is a reason that there is a movie called Bend It Like Beckham. His accuracy and uncanny ability to bend the ball is second to none.

The LA Galaxy star will be looking for a cap at the next World Cup.

Arjen Robben

Arjen Robben is a beast on the right side of the field. The midfielder has an all around world class game where he can cross it into the box or have a rocket shot with his left foot. 

Robben has been known to dive once or twice, but the Dutch international is an absolute gamer who loves soccer. He is an absolute joy to watch and a deserving mention on this list. 

Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez is one of the best dribblers in the world, only behind the likes of a Messi or Ronaldo, but Suarez is special. His balance and poise make him one of the most deceiving stickers in the game.

Suarez made it rain goals when he was at AJAX, but the now Liverpool striker is getting set to make his own mark with Andy Carroll as his pairing.

Didier Drogba

Didier Drogba is still, in my opinion, in the top five best players in the world.

A player with tremendous skill, strength, power, accuracy and vision. Drogba does not seem to have lost a step, but his goal production took a major hit this past season.

Drogba still has the skills to kills defenders, but he is not getting any younger.

Carlos Tevez

Carlos Tevez is a beast, he is literally an animal. He is defined for his hard work, determination and tremendous play off the ball.

Another absolute workhorse, Tevez is always fun to watch. You can literally see the determination on his face as he makes run after run, shot after shot.

Tevez will be looking for a new home. I cannot wait to see where he lands. 

Cesc Fabregas

The Arsenal captain seems to be making his way out of Emirates Stadium, but he is still a wonder in the midfield. Fabregas will be getting a large paycheck at the start for next season and for good reason.

Just watch the video.

Fabregas has a wonder touch on the ball and does a nice job of working his way around the field when off the ball. A player with a good amount of years left in his prime.

Xavi

Xavi, another great player to use in the video game of FIFA.

Xavi is another wonder in the midfield, and over the last few seasons, he has been an integral part for the Champions League winners Barcelona. 

One of the best playmakers in the world on one of the best teams in the world. 

Andres Iniesta

I am a really big fan of the way Andres Iniesta plays. It is tough to give him as much credit as he is due with the type of players that are already on the Barcelona squad.

However, Iniesta is right there with the best of showing his mazing touch, strategic play making ability and a terrific shot (Euro 2008).

Ronaldinho

I do not feel like I need to put reasoning or anything like that because it should be pretty self explanatory why he is on this list.

He may have fallen off the last couple years, but he still has the skill and ability as before. Some of the greatest highlights of soccer involve this Brazilian.

Franck Ribery

The Frenchmen with the scar on his face, Franck Ribery. One of the last players to actually play hard for the France side (see 2010 World Cup), Ribery is a workhorse whose motor never stops running.

A player who gives 110 percent every time he steps out on the field of play, Ribery was a lock for the most entertaining list. 

Sergio Aguero

The 22-year-old Sergio Aguero is the next hottest thing coming out of Argentina. A player who is in the process of making his highlight reel resume, Aguero is one of the best young strikers in the game. 

Aguero showed off some of his skill in the Copa America when he collected a pass from his teammate and then scissor kicked the ball in the back of the net.

Aguero will be a household name in the next two years, but he is already a name in Argentina. 

David Villa

One of the best finishers of the game and one of the most electrifying as well. One of my favorite players to use in FIFA, Villa has tremendous technique and vision.

The Spanish striker was a main reason that they won a World Cup in 2010.

Wesley Sneijder

One of the smallest guys on the pitch at any given time, Wesley Sneijder is truly a magian on the ball. His field vision is probably the best in the world, and Inter Milan would be dumb if they allowed him to leave the San Siro. 

Sneijder even in his small stature somehow is able to get a head on many balls crossed in the box when he is not the one serving them up. A fun player to watch who is always in command of the ball. 

Michael Essien

Michael Essien is a true treat to watch on the soccer field. A defensive midfielder who enjoys the attacking half of play. One of the best passers in the world, Essien has been an absolute delight for his international team of Ghana.

Essien is another favorite of mine on FIFA.

Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard was one of the best, if not best, midfielders in the game a few years ago and even though he may have slipped in terms of greatness, the Englishman is still a mastermind with the ball. 

He has a terrific shot from long range and can drop the ball at anyone players feet at any one point in a game. A better Liverpool team this year should bring Stevie G's numbers back up. 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic. What a special player he is.

The Swedish international has some ridiculous goals, along with some fancy footwork. A magician with the ball at his feet, Ibrahimovic had a rough time in Barcelona but seems to have found a nice niche with AC Milan.

Samuel Eto'o

The Cameroon international is one of the best in the game. Eto'o has one of the best first touches in the game of football and his field vision is elite.

Eto'o has bounced around clubs but always seems to win. Coincidence? I think not. Enjoy this video.

Wayne Rooney

England's best man, Wayne Rooney definitely gets the crowd going on a regular basis. Whether it is his jawing with a referee or hitting an amazing bicycle shot.

Wayne Rooney is always a joy to watch with his pin-point accuracy, superb passing and his tremendous creativity. A given for this list.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo. There is not really much to say, other than wow. This guy maybe the pretty boy of World Football, but his skills and his graceful play are nothing but pretty. 

This 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year is only 26, and unlike many stars who seem to fade as they get older, Cristiano will only get brighter. 

Lionel Messi

I think it is without question that he is the best payer in game. He single handedly brings the crowd to their feet every time he touches the ball. He is a constant force to be reckoned with, a player who is a dribbling master and a cannon of a left foot. 

At the age of 24, Messi still has a long and illustrious career ahead of him with a lot more highlights still unedited, just waiting.