LIONEL Messi is the leading contender among the 30-strong list of nominees for the Ballon d'Or award voted by France Football magazine.

Barcelona and Argentina ace, Messi is favourite for the prize of European Footballer of the Year after inspiring Barcelona to an unprecented treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League last season.

Messi's Barca team-mates, Thierry Henry, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Yaya Toure are all in the running for the prize.

Last year's winner, Cristiano Ronaldo is among the contenders again following his move to Real Madrid.

Ronaldo's former Manchester United team-mates, Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic also make the shortlist.

Liverpool’s duo of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres are also nominated along with Arsenal pair, Cesc Fabregas and Andrey Arshavin.

Chelsea trio, John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba are also up for the award.

There is no single Italian player among the 30 nominees with the winner to be announced on December 1.

As far as the Ballon d’Or is concerned, both Sneijder and Xavi have been good all year and they would deserve it. But, for me, Leo Messi is the favourite