Many people say that he is the world 's best contemporary player . Messi received several Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year by the age of 22 . Considered one of the best football players of his generation and frequently cited as the world 's best contemporary player , Messi received several Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year nominations by the age of 21 and won both by the age of 22 .