16.11.2010 14:36

Messi nominated for Puskas Award

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Lionel Messi has been nominated for the prestigious Puskas Award after FIFA included him in a list of ten players for the prize that goes to the scorer of the goal of the year.

World football’s governing body’s Committee of Exerts picked out the Argentinian’s effort against Valencia in the league game during the 2009/10 season that was the first of his hat-trick in the 3-0 triumph. After beating Ever Banega, Bruno and Angel Dealbert on a run Messi then slid the ball past César in the Valencia goal.

The other candidates

Messi’s goal is up against strikes from Hamit Altintop, Arjen Robben, Giovani van Bronckhorst, Kumi Yokohama, Linus Hallenius, Samir Nasri, Neymar, Siphiwe Tshabalala and Matthew Burrows. The award was given out for the first time last year when Cristiano Ronaldo became the inaugural winner.

The winner of the Puskas Award will be announced during the FIFA Ballon d’Or gala on January 10, 2011.