UEFA Best player Honor: Lionel Messi passes up a major opportunity, as Gareth Bunch and Antoinne Griezmann fight Cristiano Ronaldo for grant

Lionel Messi is not among the three finalists that will battle for this year's UEFA Best player in Europe Award. Atletico Madrid/France's Antonie Griezmann will join Real Madrid/Wales Gareth Bale to battle against favorite Real Madrid/Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo for the prestigious award.

Lionel Messi was even snubbed for the fourth position on the nominee list released by UEFA on Friday as his Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez snatched the fourth spot. The award is voted for by journalists from UEFA's member nations . Gianluigi Buffon, Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer and Pepe are the other players on the list.

Ronaldo is favorite for the award having led Real Madrid to the champions league title and also helped Portugal to a historic EURO tournament win.

UEFA Best Player Award Top ten Nominees:-

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

2. Antonie Griezmann

3. Gareth Bale

4. Luis Suarez

5. Lionel Messi

6. Gianluigi Buffon 

7. Toni Kroos 

8. Thomas Muller 

9. Manuel Neuer

10. Pepe