Barcelona’s Argentine prodigy Lionel Messi (pictured) last night accomplished  what he had been trying unsuccessfully to do for three weeks running: take the top spot from Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo in the FTBL World Top 23 for midfielders. Messi’s second goal sealed the Red Devils’ fate and vaulted him to the top of the world in that category.

The goal earned the Argentine 21.42 rating points and he now reigns supreme in the FTBL World Top 23 for midfielders with 210.39 points over all.

Ronaldo, who last night failed to score despite a laudable effort, lost 19.39 rating points and, with a tally of 204.49 points, now ranks 2nd in the FTBL rating of world best midfielders.