In July 2010, as the World Cup in South Africa came to a close, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi had one won Ballon d'Or each. By the end of 2010, Messi would win his second after another incredible individual season with Barcelona, while the pair of G.O.A.T contenders soon had total control of the coveted prize that a decade on they have still yet to relinquish.
But, for a few short weeks in the summer of 2010, it was neither Messi nor Ronaldo who was the best player in the world - both had exited the World Cup before the semi finals with their respective national teams.