Barcelona’s talisman Lionel Messi made it to the ten-man nominees' list of FIFA Puskas Award (also known as FIFA Goal of The Year), a prize the little Argentine is yet to win in his stellar career. The award named after Real Madrid’s legendary striker Ferenc Puskas is given to the player considered to have scored the most pleasing goal. Lionel Messi came third in voting in 2010/11 and second in 2014/15 and will be eager to finally get his name on the honours board. It is interesting to note that his arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo won the inaugural edition of the Puskas Ward back in 2009 for his strike against FC Porto for Manchester United. Lionel Messi to Bag UEFA Player of the Year Award 2019 Beating Cristiano Ronaldo?

Lionel Messi’s wonderful chip against Real Betis in Barcelona’s 0-5 win at Benito Villamarin is part of the ten-man shortlist which also includes Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Argentina skipper lifted the ball over Pau Lopez in nonchalant fashion to the amazement of the home fans who could just applaud the brilliance. It is not the first time Mess’s chip has made headlines as we all remember his brilliant effort against Bayern Munich in which his deft chip left Manuel Neuer and Jerome Boateng look like amateur footballers. Lionel Messi Beats Cristiano Ronaldo to UEFA's Goal of Season Award.

The ten nominations have been decided by a select FIFA panel and experts and it will now be put to vote on FIFA’s official website. The top three goals which receive the maximum votes will then be presented in front of a panel consisting of FIFA legends who then pick the annual winner. This year the FIFA Football Awards will be held in Milan, Italy on September 23 and this is where the Puskas Award is to be announced. If Lionel Messi wins it, it will add yet another feather in the cap of this magical player that has continued to amaze us for more than a decade now.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 20, 2019 12:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).