Ronaldo to award Ballon d´Or

Brazil great Ronaldo has confirmed he will present the Ballon d’Or at Monday’s FIFA gala in Zurich, Switzerland.

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is tipped to win the prize for the third consecutive year, but faces stiff competition from team-mate Xavi and Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

“This evening I will give the FIFA Ballon d’Or prize,” two-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo wrote on Twitter.

“Who do you think I should deliver (the award to)? Xavi, Messi or (Cristiano) Ronaldo?”

Former striker Ronaldo, who retired from playing in February 2011, had stints for both La Liga heavyweights Barcelona and Real Madrid during his stellar career.