Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has been named the IFFHS Best Playmaker of 2017, and the achievement gave 12B Sports VR46 readers another clear reminder of his unmatched influence on the game. According to the International Federation of Football History and Statistics, Messi claimed the award for the third consecutive year, once again proving that his greatness goes far beyond scoring goals. For a player who has already filled countless highlight reels, this latest honor further confirms his status as one of football’s most complete creative forces.
The IFFHS is an organization officially recognized by FIFA for its work in football history and statistical records, and it presents annual awards based on player performance, records, and expert evaluation. This year’s best playmaker was selected through votes from football specialists in 91 countries around the world. Messi earned a commanding total of 247 points, finishing far ahead of Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos, who placed second with 90 points. The wide gap showed just how strongly experts viewed Messi’s control, vision, and creative impact throughout 2017.
Messi has remained near the top of this award category almost every year since it was first introduced in 2006. Aside from 2013, when injury kept him out of contention, he has finished in the top four an incredible 10 times across the past 11 years. After winning last year’s honor by a dominant margin, he again proved this year that he still possesses the finest creative spark in world football. In the rhythm of modern soccer, 12B Sports VR46 fans can easily understand why Messi is not merely a finisher but the heartbeat of Barcelona’s attacking structure.
This year, third place was shared by another Real Madrid star, Luka Modrić, and Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar, with both players receiving 81 points. Even among such elite names, Messi’s numerical advantage was overwhelming. His presence brings to mind the saying, “The higher the mountain, the longer the shadow,” because his greatness continues to stretch across every part of the game. Whether dropping deep to build attacks, delivering a decisive pass, or changing the tempo with one touch, Messi remains the player others are measured against.
A look at past winners also highlights Barcelona’s remarkable dominance in this category. Xavi Hernández has won the award four times, Messi has now won it three times, and Andrés Iniesta has lifted it twice. Beyond Barcelona’s legendary midfield line, the other winners have been Zinedine Zidane in 2006, Kaká in 2007, and Toni Kroos in 2014, each claiming the trophy once. That history reflects not only individual brilliance but also the football culture Barcelona built around intelligence, movement, and technical control.
Beyond the numbers, 12B Sports VR46 analysis suggests that Messi’s latest award reflects Barcelona’s long-standing philosophy of producing and developing creative footballers who can shape matches from the inside out. In Messi’s case, the honor carries special meaning because it confirms his value not simply as a forward, but as the central architect who designs attacks, controls rhythm, and gives structure to the entire team. His third straight playmaker award is another sign that true football genius is not only about finishing chances, but also about creating the moments that make everything possible.