FIFA may have inadvertently revealed Lionel Messi as the 2015 Ballon d'Or winner ahead of schedule. The Barcelona star's name was "momentarily placed" in the winner's spot atop the list of nominees on FIFA's official website, according to Jack Bezants of the Daily Mail.Messi's name appeared along with Celia Sasic, who was given the premature honour in the women's category after helping Germany to a top-four appearance in the 2015 Women's World Cup.It seems world football's governing body moved too soon to update its historical list of current and past winners. While the names of Messi and Sasic were quickly removed, the possible gaffe may well have ruined the suspense for those awaiting the official announcements on January 11.Of course, seeing Messi lift yet another Ballon d'Or would hardly shock many. Although injuries plagued the second half of his calendar year, he spent the first half of 2015 as Barca's attacking inspiration in a treble-winning campaign.His work with Neymar Jr. and Luis Suarez helped the club to a La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League haul. Messi scored 58 goals across those three competitions, as well as providing 26 assists, per ESPNFC.co.uk.His international exploits included going all the way to the 2015 Copa America final, where Argentina were beaten by Chile 4-1 on penalties. Messi was the only player from his side to score from the spot.Teammate Neymar is one of Messi's closest competitors for the award, along with perennial rival, Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese has claimed the prize across the previous two years, but he also saw Messi scoop the award in four consecutive years prior to that.Hearing Messi's name read out yet again may be a foregone conclusion to some. It would be just another reminder of his enduring and unchecked dominance at the top of the sport.Yet, FIFA could perhaps be a little more careful about preserving what little suspense there is.
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