Madrid - Argentinean Lionel Messi and Barcelona''s players will be absent from The Best FIFA Football Awards.

The decision has been made by the club in order to prioritize preparation for the King's Cup match against Athletic Bilbao, which will be played on Wednesday.

A statement released by the club says, 'Barcelona thanks the FIFA, chaired by Gianni Infantino, and all its executive structure, for the possibility it has received to participate in the ceremony today. The club expresses its appreciation and support for The Best Awards.'

Messi has been nominated as the best football player alongside the Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo and the Frenchman Antoine Griezmann.

In spite of the absence of the players, the club will be represented by several directors, such as President Josep Maria Bartomeu, Vice-president Jordi Mestre and Secretary Robert Fernández.