FIFA HQ TONIGHT hosts its annual Ballon D’Or gala ceremony in Zurich.

Barcelona forward Leo Messi is expected to become the first man since Michel Platini to win world soccer’s top prize for three years running.

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho will not attend the event in Switzerland, due to a Copa del Rey game with Malaga tomorrow night.

You suspect however that the Portugal winger is relieved he doesn’t have to attend, despite being nominated for the big prize along with Messi’s Barca team-mate Xavi Hernandez.

Mourinho is up for the FIFA Coach of the Year award alongside Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson and Nou Camp chief Pep Guardiola.

If it was down to Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni however, Argentine playmaker Messi would not even be in the running.

The Italian instead cast his vote for Xavi, with Wayne Rooney and Indres Iniesta also getting nods.

Trap’s skipper, Robbie Keane meanwhile, went for Spain midfielder, Iniesta, followed by Messi and then Inter Milan and Holland man Wesley Sneijder.

Ireland will face both Xavi and Iniesta in Poland next summer in the European Championships group stage.

So who do you think should get the top award?

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