Modric, Salah join Ronaldo as finalists for FIFA award

Messi conspicuous by his absence for global player of the year honor

LONDON - Lionel Messi was left off the shortlist for the FIFA's men's player of the year award for the first time in over a decade on Monday, but his old rival Cristiano Ronaldo was named alongside Luka Modric and Mo Salah.

Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the award over the past decade, but the Barcelona star has been omitted from the top three for the first time since 2006.