Messi among 23 candidates for world player award
Wednesday, 2 November 2011
ZURICH, Nov 1 (AP): Lionel Messi is in the running for a third consecutive FIFA world player of the year award after being selected Tuesday among the 23 candidates for the 2011 prize.
Argentina forward Messi and seven of his teammates at European and Spanish champion Barcelona are on the Ballon d'Or shortlist, while archrival Real Madrid has five players nominated. Seven Spain internationals are in contention.
England striker Wayne Rooney made the list after helping Manchester United to a 19th league title and a spot in the Champions League final.
No England player was nominated last year and no Italian player features on the 23-man list for the second straight year.
France has Eric Abidal of Barcelona and Karim Benzema of Madrid after also being shut out in 2010.