Messi, Ronaldo and Iniesta compete for FIFA Ballon d'Or 2012

The world's most powerful football agency has revealed the names of three players in the race for the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or title. They are Messi, Ronaldo and Iniesta.

Last night (November 29), FIFA and France Football magazine announced the shortlist of 3 candidates for the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or award. Accordingly, Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Cristiano Ronaldo are the three remaining candidates on the 2012 shortlist.

Messi, Ronaldo and Iniesta compete for FIFA Ballon d'Or 2012

The Argentine has scored 82 goals since January, just three short of equalling Gerd Muller's record of 85 in 2012. He also helped Barcelona win the Copa del Rey in 2011-12 and led Argentina to the top of their South American qualifying group for the 2014 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo played an important role in Real Madrid's La Liga championship with 46 goals and contributed greatly to bringing Portugal to the semi-finals of EURO 2012.

Iniesta also had a successful season when he helped Spain defend the EURO 2012 championship and win the King's Cup with Barca.

Before the announcement of the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or, Messi had won the same award in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Ronaldo won in 2008, and was runner-up twice in 2009 and 2011. Iniesta was runner-up in 2010.

In the Coaches' Award, Vicente Del Bosque (Spain National Team), Pep Guardiola (Barcelona) and Mourinho (Real Madrid) were nominated for the Coach of the Year award.

Radamel Falcao, Neymar and Miroslav Stoch are the three candidates for the Puskas Award in the goal of the year category.

Meanwhile, Brazil internationals Marta, Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan are in contention for the female athlete of the year award. Bruno Bini, Norio Sasaki and Pia Sundhage are on the shortlist for women's football coach.

The winners will be announced at the FIFA Ballon d'Or gala to be held at the Kongresshaus Zurich on 7 January 2013.

FIFA Ballon d'Or 2012 for Men

Lionel Messi (Barca, Argentina)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real, Portugal)
Iniesta (Barca, Spain)

FIFA Ballon d'Or 2012 for Women

Marta (Brazil)
Alex Morgan (USA)
Abby Wambach (USA)

Best goal

Radamel Falcao (in the match Atletico Madrid vs America de Cali)
Neymar (Santos vs Internacional)
Miroslav Stoch (Fenerbahce vs Genclerbirligi)

Best Men's Football Coach

Del Bosque (Spain national team)
Pep Guardiola (Barcelona)
Jose Mourinho (Real Madrid)

Best Women's Football Coach

Bruno Bini (Head coach of the French team)
Norio Sasaki (Head Coach of Japan National Team)
Pia Sundhage (Head Coach of the US Team)

According to (bongdaplus) - LT