ZURICH -- Real Madrid legends Roberto Carlos and Michel Salgado have slammed Lionel Messi and other Barcelona stars for snubbing the Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony on Monday.

Messi was a finalist for the Best FIFA Men's Player Award but lost out to Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, as he did in the Ballon d'Or last month.

The Barcelona star had been expected to attend the gala event along with teammates Luis Suraez, Neymar and Gerard Pique, who had been named in the FIFA team of the year.

But hours before the ceremony, Barcelona officials announced that the players would remain in Spain to prepare for the second leg of their Copa del Rey match against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday.

Roberto Carlos, speaking before the awards ceremony, said: "I am sad and disappointed that Leo and his teammates have not come. They have many great footballers and all of us would have liked to see them attend.

"We all wanted to see Messi, the other big players and the coach of Barcelona here. It's a FIFA prize. FIFA is the highest authority in football. So, everyone should be here."

Ronaldo, however, was more diplomatic, telling reporters after winning: "I understand, he has an important game on Wednesday."

In place of the players, Barcelona sent president Josep Maria Bartomeu, vice president Jordi Mestre, technical secretary Robert Fernandez and a number of other board members to Switzerland.

The decision also confused former Argentina and Barcelona star Diego Maradona.

"I'm disappointed with Messi, from watching television at home you cannot fight anything or anyone -- here you can fight," he told TVE.

"I do not know why Barcelona did not come to such an important event. They have priorities and the priority was for Leo not to come. I think coming here [Zurich] they could fight more than they would in Barcelona."

Cristiano Ronaldo arrives for the Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony on Monday. Mike Hewitt - FIFA

Real Madrid are in the midst of a 39-game unbeaten streak, equalling Barcelona's record for Spanish clubs on Saturday. Madrid also won the FIFA Club World Cup in December and currently lead Barcelona by five points in La Liga with a game in hand.

Former Madrid right-back Salgado suggested the club's recent fortunes played a part in Barcelona's decision to skip the ceremony.

"Real Madrid are currently the best team in the world so maybe this has affected the decision of the Barcelona players," Salgado said. "Barcelona are wrong for not sending their best players.

"I know that the club has had issues with FIFA in the past but Barcelona needs to understand that FIFA is changing. This is not how you expect one of the world's biggest clubs to behave."

Roberto Carlos said Ronaldo has previously appeared at award ceremonies regardless of the expected outcome.

"Cristiano has learned the importance of this and I think Leo also needs to learn that he must be here. This has to change," he said.

"Real Madrid also have a match this week but they are well represented in Zurich. The obligations to win for both clubs are the same."

Madrid play at Sevilla on Thursday -- a day later than Barcelona -- and have a 3-0 advantage from the opening leg of their Copa del Rey tie.