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The World Cup is coming to a close, so it's time to dish out some awards. And three Barcelona players compete for the most prestigious of them all.
Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano and Neymar have all been selected by FIFA to the Golden Ball award, which recognizes the World Cup's best overall player. The three Blaugranes compete with another seven nominees from five different teams.
Along with Messi, Mascherano and Neymar, Mats Hummels, Phillip Lahm, Thomas Müller, Arjen Robben, Toni Kroos, James Rodríguez and Ángel di María also compete for the award. The seven Germany and Argentina candidates may have an advantage over the others, given the fact they'll still play for the title on Sunday, and if one of them shines at Maracanã, he might go home with the Golden Ball and the golden trophy.
As of right now, Colombia's James Rodríguez is the biggest favorite. James had an incredible tournament, and was responsible for his team's historic campaign. With 6 goals and two assists in five games, Rodríguez led Colombia to their first quarter-final ever. James also scored probably the most beautiful goal of the tournament, in the Round of 16 match against Uruguay.
But, if Messi has a vintage Messi performance against Germany, he is a strong candidate to get the Golden Ball. In the end, we know it's probably going to be on good hands.
The goalkeepers will also be honored. Costa Rica's Keylor Navas, Germany's Manuel Neuer and Argentina's Sergio Romero compete for the Golden Glove, and the champion goalie might also get the nod.
France's Raphael Varane and Paul Pogba, along with Netherlands' Memphis Depay, compete for the Young Player award.
