Lionel Messi still the world's top player despite Fifa Best omission - Luis Enrique

As Spain prepare to face Croatian stars Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic in Tuesday's Uefa Nations League tie, Luis Enrique still sees Messi as a cut above the rest
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Ben Hayward10 September 2018

Spain coach Luis Enrique has praised Luka Modric ahead of his side’s UEFA Nations League game against Croatia, but believes Lionel Messi is still the world’s finest footballer.

Messi was missing from the final shortlist for The Best Fifa Men's Player of 2018, which will be awarded later this month, with Modric joined by former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah in the final three.

Luis Enrique’s Spain side host Croatia in Elche on Tuesday and the Asturian was asked on Monday about Modric and whether he deserves to win the Fifa prize.

“If I have to talk about Croatia, I would talk about Modric and [Ivan] Rakitic,” he said in the pre-match press conference in Elche. “Either of the two could receive any award.

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“But if we’re talking about a prize for the best, I would give it to Messi. He is a step ahead of all the other players. If we’re talking about trophies, that’s something else. That’s my opinion.”

After beating World Cup semi-finalists England 2-1 at Wembley on Saturday, Luis Enrique’s side now face finalists Croatia and the former Barcelona boss is expecting a tough test in Tuesday’s game.

In Pictures | England vs Spain | 08/09/18

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“Croatia competed really well during the World Cup,” he said. “And they have players of a very high level. Their strong points are that they defend and attack as a team, they press wonderfully in the opposition’s half and they have quality in attack.

“But I hope we can show our best version in Elche.”

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