Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will go head-to-head once again for the title of world’s best footballer after being short-listed along with Neymar on Monday for the 2015 FIFA Ballon d’Or.
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Ronaldo is the reigning two-time victor of the award, while Messi has won four times and Neymar is first among the three finalists.
After winning his third Ballon d’Or, Ronaldo continued his incredible form to end the La Liga season with 48 goals.
“Luis deserved it but Cristiano also did well”.
In a related development, the contenders for this year’s FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year 2015 Award have also been announced.
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique is up for the men’s coach of the Year gong, having guided Barcelona to an historic treble last season.
“I have never played football to be the best player in the world, or to win the Ballon d’Or”.
Messi will be hoping to win his 5th Ballon d’Or.
Barcelona’s Ballon d’Or nominees Lionel Messi and Neymar have both expressed their disappointment at teammate Luis Suarez’s omission from the list.
The agreement they struck with Santos for the signing of Neymar in 2013 included an add-on which meant Barcelona must pay an extra €2million if he placed in the top three of the individual competition.
Messi attempts to shoot in the penalty area during the Champions League final against Manchester United in 2009.
It is the sixth time that the Argentinian has won the title in seven editions of the trophy given by the Spanish football league.
“Happy to be with Neymar”, said Messi after being named Best Player at La Liga’s annual awards ceremony.
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I think that after all we’ve done and won last season we deserved these awards and perhaps even more. When I depart house, he all the time will get mad and says: “‘Are you going to the aim once more?’ Yes, I inform him, I’m going to the objective!”
