AMAVUBI head coach Sredejovic Milutin Micho has backed Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d’Or for a third year running.

Messi won football’s highest individual honour in 2009 and 2010 and is one of ten Barcelona players on the list. The others include Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Eric Abidal, Daniel Alves, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Fabregas, Alexis Sanchez and David Villa.

"He is a complete footballer. He creates and scores goals and has achieved a lot already,” the Serbian said.

Barca’s bitter rivals Real Madrid are also heavily represented with five nominees, as 2008 Ballon d’Or Cristiano Ronaldo is joined by Iker Casillas, Xabi Alonso, Mesut Ozil and Frenchman Karim Benzema.

Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney and Nani, Man City new boy Sergio Aguero and Liverpool’s Luis Suarez make up the premier league list.

Micho has also tipped Pep Guardiola for the coaching award.

"Guardiola is doing what every coach would wish to do. He has transformed Barcelona into a world class football team.”

Besides Guardiola, last year’s winner Real Madrid coach Mourinho, is on a diverse list that also features Sir Alex Ferguson, as well as Oscar Washington Tabarez, who led Uruguay to glory in the Copa America.

Three finalists will be named on December 5, and the awards ceremony will be held on January 9, 2012. A panel of journalists, as well as coaches and captains of FIFA’s 208 member associations will vote for the winners.

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