Do you mean the FIFA’s Player of the Year award? Yes, this is the first time we are not seeing Messi's name in the Top 3 nomination for the last 12 years. It is a real surprise that he was snubbed by FIFA. 

The 3 nominations are Luka Modric, Mo Salah and Christiano Ronaldo. All 3 players had an awesome 2018. Ronaldo won the Champions league and had great performances both domestic and european. Modric was part of the CL winning team, and he took Croatia to a semi final place in the World Cup, winning the golden ball in the process. Mohamed Salah broke the Premier League goals record and fired Liverpool to the Champions League final. But do note that he ended the season without winning a single trophy and left the World Cup with the  disappointing Egypt.

How about Lionel Messi? He won the the La Liga and Copa del Rey with Barcelona. A domestic double. He also scored more goals and had more assists that all the other 3 players. Although admittedly, he did not perform during the World Cup, but so did CR7 and Salah.

Having said all these, I believe Messi's performance in 2018 is worthy of at least a nomination in the Top 3. His only downfall is his success and performance over the years. Winning the La Liga is becoming expected and considered a norm for Messi. Pundits will only say Messi is performing well if he wins the CL or the WC. If it were me, Messi would be up there, and either Modric or Salah will have to step down.