Messi to battle Ronaldo and Van Dijk for Ballon D’or prize

Argentine captain Lionel Messi will battle Cristiano Ronaldo and Netherlands/Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk for the FIFA Ballon D’or award on December 3rd 2019.

Messi is fresh from being crowned as the FIFA Men’s Best Player of the Year on Monday, and could be the first player to land the accolade on six occasions should he once again pip the duo.

The Barcelona captain is tied with Ronaldo to have won the award five times – claiming it in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015, while Ronaldo took it in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017.

Last year, Croatia and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric broke the 10-year streak held by the duo, but will lose out on defending his crown after missing out on the three-man shortlist.

Other award candidates, who are going to compete in other categories will be made public on October 21 for the December French ceremony.

That day, Ballon d’or nominees will be announced for both the male and female categories, as well as the Kopa and Yashin trophies, which are awarded to the best young player and best goalkeeper respectively.

The ceremony is expected to start at the Chatelet Theatre in Paris on December 3.