Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo & Iniesta nominated for 2012 Fifa Ballon d'Or

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Fifa and France Football have announced that Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Cristiano Ronaldo are the remaining three candidates to win the 2012 Fifa Ballon d'Or.

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The Argentine has netted an impressive 82 goals since January, and needs only three more goals in 2012 to equal Gerd Muller's record of 85 goals for club and country in a calendar year.

Messi helped Barcelona to the Copa del Rey in 2011-12, while also guiding Argentina to top spot in their 2014 World Cup qualification section.

Ronaldo played a key role in Real Madrid's Liga triumph last term with his 46 league goals, and also made it to the semi-finals at Euro 2012 with Portugal.

Iniesta, meanwhile, successfully defended their European title with Spain at Euro 2012, as well as winning the Copa del Rey with Barcelona.

Messi previously won the Ballon d'Or in 2009, while also picking up the prestigious trophy in 2010 and 2011 after it merged with the Fifa World Player of the Year award.

Cristiano Ronaldo came out victorious in 2008, but had to settle for second spot in 2009 and 2011.

Iniesta finished as runner-up in 2010.

Vicente del Bosque, Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho have been nomineed for the Coach of the Year for men’s football award.

Radamel Falcao, Neymar and Miroslav Stoch are still in the running to win the Puskas award for goal of the season.

Marta, Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan are in contention for the Women’s Player of the Year award.

Bruno Bini, Norio Sasaki and Pia  Sundhage are the candidates for the Coach of the Year for women's football award.