Lionel Messi FBL FIFA PLAYER AWARD

Nominees for the FIFA World player 2008, from left to right: Spain's Xavi, Spain's Fernando Torres, Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, Argentina's Lionel Messi and Brazils' Kaka pose during a press conference prior to the FIFA World Player Gala 2008 award ceremony on January 12, 2009 in Zurich. World football's governing body FIFA announce their 2008 World Player of the Year in Zurich with Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United hotly-tipped to win though the 2007 winner Kaka, Lionel Messi, Fernando Torres and Xavi are the other candidates. AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI (Photo credit should read FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images)