The most prestigious football award in world football will be handed out on Monday, 29 November, however, the names of the top three and the winner have already been leaked online.

For months there has been speculation that Lionel Messi would lift the award for the seventh time, and now various tweets from soccer journalists have confirmed the rumour.

The shocking news is that Bayern Munich forward, Robert Lewandowski, who was a favourite to win last year’s award – but the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic – will only finish in third place.

According to reports, Real Madrid’s in-form striker, Karim Benzema, who has netted 43 goals with 14 assists and won the UEFA Nations League in 2021, will take second place on the podium.

Despite struggling to find form with Paris Saint-Germain, Messi has scored 41 goals with 17 assists in 2021. He also won the Copa America and the Copa del Rey silverware.

The Argentine’s outstanding performance for his country, which saw him being named the Copa America tournament’s best scorer, best assist-provider and best player was sufficient for him to be handed the seventh Ballon d’Or award.

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