Lionel Messi is in the frame to win his sixth Ballon d'Or, according to reports in Spain.
Catalan outlet Mundo Deportivo say that 'all the indications' are that Messi will emerge victorious following on from the votes of 182 journalists, while some fans believe the 32-year old's Instagram activity is a hint that he is about to become a six-time Ballon d'Or winner.
The voting was tallied on November 9 ahead of the official France Football announcement being made at the ceremony in Paris on Dec 2.
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And if the information is indeed correct, Messi will move ahead of long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who is currently tied with him on five Ballon d'Ors.
The Ballon d'Or has been awarded by the French magazine since 1956 and sees their editorial staff put together the initial 30-man shortlist.
Messi has scored 45 goals for club and country in 2019, in addition to firing Barcelona to La Liga. His form this calendar year has prompted fellow nominee Kylian Mbappe to opt in favour of the Barcelona superstar, who hasn't won the Ballon d'Or since 2015.
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'Messi. In individual terms, he was the best this year." Mbappe told German publication Der Spiegel after he was asked who he believes will win the coveted prize.
It's widely expected that the final three will be the same trio that led the way in the FIFA Men's Best Player award: Messi, Ronaldo and Virgil van Dijk - the latter aiming to become the first defender since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 to win the coveted award.
Topics: Football News, Football, Messi, Lionel Messi, Ballon d'Or