Lionel  Messi

FUTAA.COM

A photo has circulated the internet showing the 2012 Ballon d’Or trophy, with Barcelona’s Leo Messi’s name engraved at the bottom, potentially revealing the Argentine is due to received his unprecedented fourth consecutive Player of the Year award.

The image clearly shows the unmistakable trophy, with three panels at the base; the left engraved with the name of Real Madrid forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, the right with Barcelona midfielder, Andres Iniesta and the centre, and largest plaque inscribed with the name of Barcelona forward, Lionel Messi, reports futaa.com.

The photo was first published by Argentine sports daily, Diario Ole and while there has yet to be an official statement by football’s governing body, FIFA, we will get our answer soon enough as the official announcement will be made on January 7, 2013 at the Palace of Congresses in Zurich, Switzerland.

Messi has won the prestigious award for the past three seasons and was already heavily favoured to win his fourth this January, prior to the release of this photo.