The winner of the Ballon D'Or Award will be announced on Jan. 13, 2014. The top names that keep popping up regarding the Ballon D'Or award are no other than the names of Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and FC Barcelona icon Lionel Messi.

However, the names of the three finalists are yet to be announced. According to Marca.com, the finalists will be revealed to the public on the website of the International Football Federation (FIFA), as well as on the website of France Football magazine.

Messi has received the coveted prize since the Ballon D'Or Award started in 2010. Ronaldo became a contender only in 2011.

The award is given annually to the best player of the season based on votes by coaches, captains of international football teams, and even journalists from all over the world. It seems like everyone has their own favourite.

Some reports claim that Messi is way ahead of Ronaldo, while others claim that the 28-year-old from Real Madrid is in the driver's seat.

According to a Spanish news agency, Agencia News, Messi will scoop the 2013 Ballon D'Or Award again. It was the same news agency that has announced the contenders for the award in 2012 even before it was officially revealed. Now, there are notions that the Ballon D'Or results were leaked and given away.

If Messi is to win the said award, Ronaldo fans wouldn't be so delighted to find out, that's for sure, since it was no secret that the Real Madrid star did well in the last season and even led his country to the World Cup after his amazing performance during the play-offs.

Furthermore, if Messi indeed bring home the crown, it will bring up questions as to how the player that will receive that award is really chosen. There is no question that Messi is one of the greatest players in the history of football. However, shouldn't the "Golden Ball" be given to the player with the most extraordinary and amazing -performance during the 2012-2013 season?

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