Messi and Ronaldo duel to be world's best again

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are once-again considered the top contenders for this year's FIFA Men's Player of the Year award.

The pair, who have dominated the global award for the past decade, are among 24 candidates which have made the nomination list.

Ronaldo - currently on a 5-game suspension for pushing a referee - still remains a dominant force, helping lead Real Madrid to a La Liga/Champions League double.

Ronald was banned for five games on Monday.

Messi topped him in the Spanish goalscoring charts for Barcelona, surpassing 500 goals for the club this year.

Argentine professional footballer Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo was sent off after receiving two yellow cards during the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona.

In his frustration, he shoved the referee from behind while exiting the pitch.

Under Spanish league rules, Ronaldo was given the minimum of a 4-game suspension for intentional contact with an official.

He could have been suspended for 12 matches.