Messi in running for third Ballon d’Or award

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Xavi have been shortlististed for this year's Fifa Ballon d'Or award.

Messi won the inaugural award last year after Fifa's World Player of the Year crown and France Football's Ballon d'Or gong merged. Messi in on course to land a third consecutive Ballon d'Or having also won the award in 2009.