Messi, 24, claimed the accolade in 2009 and 2010, while Barcelona teammate Xavi, 31, was third in 2009 and 2010.
Ronaldo’s Real Madrid, 26, triumphed in 2008 and was second in 2007 and 2009.
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has been nominated for Goal of the Year, while Sir Alex Ferguson is nominated for coach of the year.
- Three Great Footballers have been nominated
Rooney was nominated for his superb overhead kick against Manchester City last season.
Also on the list of smart chips Messi and Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny volleyball in the Champions League last 16 last season, with incredible solo effort against Flamengo Santos Neymar in July.
Ferguson is against Pep Guardiola Barcelona and Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho, coach of the year.
The Scottish 69-year U.S. led to a record 19th English championship – from 12 under his direction – and to guide the club to the finals of the Champions League, losing 3-1 to Barcelona in Wembley.
Guardiola has also led to success in La Liga Barcelona, ??Madrid ahead of Mourinho, who has gained some revenge to lift King’s Cup with a 1-0 defeat of the Catalans in Valencia.
Argentine international Lionel Messi is tipped to make a hat-trick of wins Golden Ball after a superb season for Barcelona, ??scoring 53 goals in all competitions.
World Champion Xavi was the architect of many goals Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, while Portugal has scored 53 times for Real Madrid as they finished second in the league, won the Copa del Rey and Champions League Barcelona lost semi-final.
Ronaldo Twitter: “It’s great to again be named one of FIFA’s Player of the three candidates.”
Brazil’s Marta is looking for sixth consecutive player of the year, but face competition Homare Sawa of Japan and American Abby Wambach.
The Golden Ball is voted by journalists and coaches and captains of international teams.
Winners will be announced January 9 in Zurich.
Source:http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/16031662.stm
