There was no winner last year, as the event was cancelled because of the outbreak of COVID-19.

However, on November 29, this year’s winner will be crowned in Paris, France.

Messi is considered to be a frontrunner, with some suggesting that he already has his hands on a seventh individual gong in a remarkable career.

But those behind the voting insist no victor has been determined as yet.

France Football editor, Pascal Ferre, has told Bild of the Messi speculation: “That’s a lot of bullsh*t we’ve seen in the past 10 days. A big bluff.”

Messi faces stiff competition from Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, who claimed the FIFA Best award in 2020 and has scored 23 goals in 17 appearances this season.

Italy and Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has seen his claims to a much sought-after piece of silverware talked up after helping the Azzurri to Euro 2020 glory and club side Chelsea to a Champions League crown.