Lionel Messi in line for Europe’s best player award

Barcelona star, Lionel Messi has the chance to add the FIFA World Player of the Year award to his Ballon d’Or prize for being Europe’s best player.



The 22-year-old, who would be the first Argentine to win the award, has been shortlisted alongside his Barcelona teammates Xavi and Andres Iniesta.



Last year’s winner, Cristiano Ronaldo and his Real Madrid co-star, Kaka complete the nominations.



England striker Kelly Smith has been shortlisted for the women’s award.



Messi, Xavi and Iniesta formed the creative hub of the Barcelona team, which won the triple of Champions League, domestic league and cup last season.



Last week, Messi beat Ronaldo to the European Footballer of the Year award by a massive margin of 473 points to 233.



Now he is the firm favourite to land the FIFA award after coming second to Kaka in 2007 and Ronaldo in 2008.



England stars; Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and John Terry, all failed to make the shortlist after being included in an original pool of 23 contenders in October.