Could the fourth time be the charm for Lionel Messi?
The 28-year-old Argentine soccer superstar is among the 10 nominees for FIFA‘s Puskas Award, which celebrates the “most beautiful” goal of the year.
The award is named after legendary Real Madrid and Hungary striker Ferenc Puskas and the period for this year’s prize is from September 27, 2014 to September 23, 2015.
Messi, who was previously nominated for the prize in 2010, 2011 and 2012, was shortlisted for the Puskas Award for beating four defenders before scoring Barcelona‘s first goal against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final.
Here’s a look at this year’s Puskas Award nominees:
| 2015 Puskas Award nominations |
| David Ball – Fleetwood v Preston, League One |
| Gonzalo Castro – Real Sociedad v Deportivo, La Liga |
| Alessandro Florenzi – Roma v Barcelona, Champions League |
| Wendell Lira – Goianesia v Atletico, Brazil Football League |
| Carli Lloyd – USA v Japan, Women’s World Cup |
| Lionel Messi – Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao, Copa del Rey |
| Philippe Mexes – AC Milan v Inter Milan, friendly |
| Marcel Ndjeng – SC Paderborn v Bolton, friendly |
| Esteban Ramirez – Herediano v Deportivo Saprissa, Costa Rica |
| Carlos Tevez – Juventus v Parma Calcio, Serie A |
The award was won by Colombia’s James Rodriguez last year for his goal against Uruguay in the World Cup.