Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Andres Iniesta were yesterday shortlisted for this year’s Ballon d’Or, FIFA and sponsors France Football magazine said.

Barcelona forward Messi, 25, has already won the title three times and the Argentine is again favourite to win the prize, which will be presented in Zurich on January 7 after votes from journalists, national team captains and coaches.

If he wins, he would become the first player to win the award four times, having already joined French legend and current UEFA president Michel Platini as the only players to win three straight titles.

Dutch stars Johan Cruyff and Marco Van Basten have also won three accolades.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter unveiled the shortlist at a news conference in Sao Paulo.

“I won’t say it’s on a level with the Oscars – but it’s not far away,” joked Blatter.

He also revealed that Spain’s Vicente Del Bosque – who ensured the Spanish became the first international side to land three straight tournaments by winning Euro 2012 – Real Madrid’s Jose Mourinho and former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola were on the shortlist for the title of best coach.

In normal circumstances, Ronaldo’s haul of 46 goals in La Liga last season – only surpassed by Messi’s astonishing 50 – would likely have placed him in pole position, but Messi’s record-breaking feats have left the Portuguese talisman in his shadow.

“They pushed each other to the limit of talent,” said Francois Moriniere, CEO of France Football.