Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Xavi shortlisted

Messi, Ronaldo and Xavi are the world's best players

 La Liga leads Ballon d'Or shortlist as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Xavi have been shortlisted for this year's Fifa Ballon d'Or awards.

The 24-year-old Messi is once again the favourite for this award to make it a hat-trick of trophies after claiming the 2009 and 2010.

 Argentinian Messi was Barcelona's top scorer, 53 goals in all competitions, as Barca retained the Primera Division title and re-claimed the Champions League trophy with a comprehensive defeat of Manchester United at Wembley.

His teammate Xavi maintained his position as arguably the premier midfielder in world football. He was the architect of many of Barca's goals - especially scored by Messi. He finished in third place on 2009 and 2010 awards.

Ronaldo also scored 53 times for Real Madrid as they finished runners-up in Spain and lost out to Barca in the Champions League semi-finals.

Barca's Guardiola, Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson were shortlisted for the 2011 FIFA Coach of the Year award.

AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, not even shortlisted in 23 men for the award, says that he doesn't need an accolade like the FIFA Ballon d'Or to prove to himself that he is the best in the world.

 "In my head I am the strongest of all. I certainly don't need the Ballon d'Or to prove that I am number one," he said.