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29 March 2024

Messi, Ronaldo, Xavi, nominated for top Fifa award

Published
By AP

Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernandez will be up against Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo for the Fifa world player of the year award.

The three Ballon d'Or finalists were named Monday from 23 nominees. Messi beat Barcelona teammates Andres Iniesta and Xavi to win last year.

Messi also won the award two years ago when France Football magazine chose the best player in Europe. The Ballon d'Or is now merged with Fifa's player of the year award to create one trophy.

Messi and Ronaldo have already scored 17 league goals this season. They face each other in the Spanish league on Saturday.

The winner will be announced on Jan. 9 in Zurich, Switzerland.