Ballon d'Or Nominees 2013: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi And Franck Ribery Named Finalists For Golden Ball Award

While preparing for the upcoming World Cup in Brazil, FIFA has been extremely busy putting some of the final touches on what promises to be another entertaining soccer tournament. Set to begin in June of 2014, the summer tournament will feature 32 of the world's best international soccer teams and with the inclusion of many top individuals talents, Brazil 2014 could play out to be one of the best World Cups in recent time. In addition to getting ready for the event after recently completing the eight-group draw, FIFA recently announced the three finalists for the Ballon d'Or Award, an individual honor that recognizes the world's best soccer talent.

Following the shrinking of list that originally contained 23 of the world's best, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Franck Ribery have been named as the three finalists for the sport's top individual award. Messi, a star with Spanish Premier League giants Barcelona and the Argentine national team, has won the last four Ballon d'Or trophies and prior to yet another injury, the international superstar found the back of the net 45 times on multiple levels with Barca and the World Cup-bound Argentines.

Real Madrid scorer and Portuguese phenom Cristiano Ronaldo was an easy choice for one of the three finalist spots as well. Recording 67 goals between his club and international duties, this year may prove to be CR7's best shot to overtake Messi as world's best player, at least as far as the awards go. Ronaldo brought home the top honor in 2008 but has watched his La Liga rival Leo Messi claim the last four honors. Finishing second in 2009, 2011 and 2012, many believe this year's balloting serves as the most difficult in the history of the award because each of the three finalists deserves such praise.

"It seems that the favorites are Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ribery," UEFA President Michel Platini said recently. "The first two are very good and Ribery is the one who has won everything. They are three great players. The choice of the Ballon d'Or this year is the most difficult in the history of the trophy."

After guiding Bayern Munich to an impressive trifecta, Franck Ribery serves as a legitimate award winner as well. Leading the Bundesliga club to title wins in the UEFA Champions League, German Bundesliga and German Cup, the 30-year-old native of France would love to etch his name in soccer history as one of the best players in the game.