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Fleetwood’s David Ball up against Lionel Messi and co for Fifa’s Puskás Award

Fleetwood Town striker David Ball is in the running to win Fifa’s Puskás Award for the best goal of the year, but faces stiff competition from Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Carli Lloyd . 
Ball’s chip against Preston during the 1-1 draw back in March has been included as one of 10 nominees to claim the prestigious prize, which was won last year by James Rodríguez . 
“It’s great for that goal to even be put in the same bracket as the ones which have been shortlisted,” Ball told the Fleetwood website. “I’m absolutely delighted. I’m obviously shocked to have been shortlisted and it’s a great thing for Fleetwood Town and myself. The likes of Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi are people I love watching. To be in the same category as them is something I’ll cherish forever.
“I remember the initial thought process of the goal and just trying it. Those sort of goals either do come off or they don’t come off,” Ball added. “I remember the scenes with the fans after I’d scored and the feeling with the lads too. It was just unbelievable and especially given it was a derby game as well. I’d love anyone to tell a friend or anyone they know to vote for the goal. If the supporters could help me it’d be a great achievement for myself.”
Messi, who has yet to win the award, is nominated for his brilliant solo effort for Barcelona in the final of the Copa del Rey back in May, while Tevez makes the cut for his goal for Juventus against Parma in November 2014 . 

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