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Lionel Messi, one of three nominees on FIFA's shortlist. Mike Egerton/EMPICS Sport
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Poll: who should win the Ballon d'Or?

FIFA announce that familiar trio of Ronaldo, Messi and Xavi will face off for top player award. Who do you think deserves it?

REAL MADRID MIDFIELDER Cristiano Ronaldo as well as Leo Messi and Xavi of Barcelona have been shortlisted for the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2011, FIFA have announced.

Messi won the prize last year – the first season FIFA’s world player of the year poll and France Football’s famous Ballon d’Or were merged.

The Argentine is favourite to win it again this year after another successful 12 months with Barcelona.

Messi’s Nou Camp team-mate, the midfield playmaker Xavi, is also in the mix. He will face Ireland in next summer’s Euro 2012 finals, we learned in Friday’s draw in Kiev.

Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo are currently leading the way in La Liga as Jose Mourinho looks to at last knock the Catalans off their perch.

He will also feature in Ukraine and Poland with Portugal.

So who would you vote for?


Poll Results:

Leo Messi (309)
Cristiano Ronaldo (103)
What? No Richard Dunne? (66)
Xavi (35)

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