Injustice if Messi denied Ballon d’Or – Puyol

Ronaldo has won it three times including the past two years but Messi is strongly favored to be named Federation Internationale de Football Association best player for a fifth time. If Turan continues to make his presence felt when called upon – particularly for a Barcelona side that needs reinforcements to defend its La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League titles – the trophy haul will be the same.

The Uruguayan should have scored himself later in the half after combining with Neymar and Messi but somehow shot wide of an open goal with his left foot.

The pair were joined by fellow nominee Neymar for a press conference ahead of tonight’s gala in Zurich, where Messi is expected to win the big prize.

USA World Cup-winning captain Carli Lloyd, Japan midfielder Aya Miyama and now-retired Germany striker Celia Sasic are in contention for the Fifa Women’s World Player of the Year award.

Messi was conferred the award for his outstanding performance in 2015 at the Federation Internationale de Football Association awards ceremony in Zurich’s Kongresshaus.

Ronaldo is aiming for his third consecutive Ballon d’Or after back-to-back successes in 2013 and 2014, although he has his work cut out after ending last season without any silverware.

He added: “It will be hard for any other player in the future to win five Ballon d’Ors, and Messi is not going to retire tomorrow so even if he wins [his fifth title] on Monday he can even add more to his name”.

Messi ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s two-year hold on the Ballon d’Or trophy, soccer’s top individual honor.

Ronaldo, however, conceded that there was one aspect of Messi’s game that he would like to have.

Barca coach Luis Enrique is up for the men’s Coach of the Year gong, after guiding his team to the treble.

Luis Suarez and Neymar both deserve an honourable mention who have both with Messi created one greatest attacking trios of all time.

Won La Liga again in 2010 and retained the World Player award, beating shortlisted Spanish World Cup winners and Barca team mates Andres Iniesta and Xavi.

Arda Turan made his first league start for the hosts after Barca’s year-long ban from registering new players was lifted earlier in the week, and the Turkish worldwide provided his first assist for the club with a lovely through ball for Messi to slot home after just eight minutes.