FIFA’s decision to omit Barcelona icon Lionel Messi from their coveted ‘The Best’ award shortlist earlier this month sparked huge debate among football fans.

Many people felt Messi’s absence from the three-man shortlist was nothing short of absurd.

The Argentine forward had inspired Barça to glory in La Liga and the Copa del Rey. He also finished the 2017-18 season as the top scorer in Europe’s major leagues.

Messi was left out in favour of Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.

All three players have enjoyed a fantastic 12 months with their respective clubs and countries, admittedly, but Messi’s omission felt harsh.

Indeed, this was the first time in 12 years that Messi had failed to make FIFA’s Player of the Year shortlist.

As a result, Messi could have been forgiven for not wanting to attend the awards ceremony, which takes place in London next Monday.

Messi makes decision over FIFA's 'The Best' awards

However, according to the Daily Mail, Messi - and this says a lot about his character - will be in attendance.

Why? Well, the 31-year-old sees attendance as a mark of respect to the other finalists, the Mail explain, and a sign that he is embracing his new role as Barça captain.

Messi deserves huge respect for this decision. He could have sulked and decided there was no point in going. For a player used to making the top three every year, it has the potential to feel a little humiliating for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

But he accepts FIFA’s decision and will still attend as a mark of respect for Ronaldo, Modric and Salah. Class.

There is a chance, however, that Messi will not end the evening empty-handed.

He can still win a place in the FIFA XI - which is surely the least he deserves - while his goal at the World Cup against Nigeria is in the category of best goal of 2018.

Without wanting to take a cheap shot at Ronaldo, it’s worth noting that the Portuguese forward failed to attend last month’s UEFA gala in Monaco because he was snubbed for the main award in favour of Modric.

The snub was described by Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes as “ridiculous” and “shameful”.

By attending FIFA’s event next week, Messi will prove that winning individual awards really doesn’t mean that much to him.