, Messi's Waits For 11th January Date With History

Leo Messi is the hot favourite to scoop the accolade after spearheading Barça to the treble last season. The Argentine is gunning for a fifth Ballon d'Or, having captured the award in

four consecutive years from 2009 to 2012. Cristiano Ronaldo has triumphed in the last two editions and boasts three wins overall, having also been named the best player in the world in 2008.

Both Ronaldo and Messi will be part of the 23-man shortlist for the prize that FIFA will reveal next month and barring a massive surprise, the pair will be among the three finalists, who will be announced in December. Given this, besides the inevitable discussion over the winner, the debate looks set to revolve around who should take bronze behind Messi and Ronaldo. The other two members of Barcelona's prolific frontline, Neymar and Luis Suárez, appear the likeliest candidates.

- MARCA.com