The race for the FIFA Ballon D’Or culminates in just over a week with the glitzy ceremony taking place on January 7th in Zurich.
That’s when we will find out which one of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Andres Iniesta will be named the world’s best player for 2012.
It goes without saying that all three merit recognition for their achievements this year.
Iniesta was fabulous again in 2012 winning the Best Player in Europe award earlier this year after his instrumental role in Spain’s Euro 2012 triumph.
But the smart money will be on Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to claim the ultimate prize at the Ballon D’Or gala.
Ronaldo has been brilliant again. The Portuguese winger finally got his hands on the La Liga trophy in May also had a couple of top class performances on the way to the semi-finals of Euro 2012.
The 27-year-old also netted 63 goals during the calendar year which would have been regarded as an incredible achievement in any other year – and any other era.
Unfortunately for Ronaldo, his peak years have coincided with the golden age of Lionel Messi who at 25, still has time on his side.
What can you say about the little Argentine wizard?
He may not have got his hands on many major trophies in 2012 – bar a Copa del Rey – but on a personal level this season has been one of his best individually.
Gerd Muller’s record for goals in a calendar year –set at a seemingly insurmountable 85 - had stood for 40 years but only man was going to beat that.
And Messi not only beat the Bayern Munich and Germany legend’s high water mark, he obliterated it by six goals finishing on 91.
But it is not just about goals when it comes to Messi. The Barcelona No 10 affects games in a way that Ronaldo has been unable to.
Messi involves himself in much of Barcelona’s play, popping up at the start of moves and often finishing them off himself or providing telling assists. He provided 25 assists this season.
If Messi were to win a fourth consecutive Ballon D’or it would be a fitting reward for a player that already has serious aspirations of being mentioned in the same breath as Pele, Maradona and Cruyff.
