The list of candidates to win the 2009 Ballon d'Or award was reduced to 10 men on Sunday, with Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi the overwhelming favourite.

A list of 30 players released last month is now down to 10, with Messi and last year's winner Cristiano Ronaldo featuring prominently, award organisers France Football magazine said on their website.

Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto'o, Steven Gerrard, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Andres Iniesta, Kaka, Wayne Rooney and Xavi are the other players still in contention.

There were no Italian or German players on the original 30-man list. Now there is no French player either with Karim Benzema, Yoann Gourcuff and Franck Ribery all dropped.

Fernando Torres, Frank Lampard and Cesc Fabregas are among the other high-profile casualties.

The result of the vote by football journalists to name the winner of the award formerly known as the European Footballer of the Year will be announced on Tuesday.

Na talk you dey talk or na so your mouth be?

he is no world best. lets c wat his nxt game will luk like.

He's a good player but not the best of the bests.

He was definitely the best in season 2008/2009.

But this year so far he hasn't been all that. The award this year so far so definietly go to Didier Drogba. He has been phenomenal!

He has won the Ballon d' Or award with 240 point ahead of C. Ronaldo who has 233 point. What a record margin!

He has already won and he even broke a record in the process with a very high points than the second place player (Ronaldo)

the best. no question

A clearly thrilled Leo Messi spoke to the media at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper this lunchtime: “I'm very happy with the award and for the margin of the voting. It's a great away to win it”, said the 2009 Ballon d'Or winner.

i think he is d best

I don't really think lionel messi is the best though I like his personality but I really prefer CR9 (Cristiano Ronaldo) to Lionel Messi.
I also think Cristiano is going to win it next year very much of messi.

^^ I think _{or hope} so too

^^ The world cup winner would likely win it and I dont se Portugal winning the world cup

Neither do i see Argentina winning!
Then we gotta consider players from Spain or Brazil. But Torres club is so poor this season and i dont see Kaka or Robinho catching up on Messi.

Well anything can happen so watchout!!!

We are on the watch out

Messi is surely a good player but C. Ronaldo remains my best.

Ajoto:

Messi is surely a good player but C. Ronaldo remains my best.

SECONDED

This most recent season past, Messi was undoubtably the best.

he is not really the best

Is Messi the best?

- Individually speaking, nope, CR7 trumps him in pure speed, power and goal scoring efficiency.
- With a team that plays total football, yes, Messi is the best.

He needs the ball to circulate fluidly to shine, CR7 just needs the ball, period.

link pls

MESSI is really the best indeed as he is the 2009 Footballer of the Year,

Congrats LIONEL, as the sky is limit,

What happened to mikel,i could remember he played better than messi in a tournament that gave both of them popularity.why mikel hasnt smell naija best player talk more of africa,even world.

Messi is the best but not the greatest.

Each player has his good and bad point.Fifa has awarded him the best player,but I don't like him

He is not the best.
They are a lot of other players out there beter than him.
He is just fortunate to play for a club that won almost every trophy
at thier disposal this year.


But he is a great player!

Enoyoh:

He is not the best.
They are a lot of other players out there beter than him.
He is just fortunate to play for a club that won almost every trophy
at thier disposal this year.


But he is a great player!

Can you clarify that statement, give us names of players better than messi in 2008/09 season, which formed basis of the award.

SURE