AS.com

"Could Messi be dethroned?", French sports publication, France Football asked its readers in its most recent edition, which is dedicated to Monday's FIFA Ballon d'Or gala in Zurich. The magazine looks back over the glittering careers of the three candidates: Leo Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Andrés Iniesta and gives us a glimpse into their most personal sides.

Correspondent Vicent Machenaud travelled to Barcelona to interview Messi's older brother, Rodrigo, who spoke about the player's struggle to adapt to life in the Condal City when he first arrived - "He has always known how to overcome obstacles in life", Rodrigo explained.

Cristiano Ronaldo's former teacher Francisco Alonso claimed that CR7 has always shown his fun-loving side. "He began playing in the street and that is where he developed his strong character and is the reason why he soon became a leader amongst his peers", Alonso said of the player.

France Football also caught up with Andrés Iniesta's father, José Antonio who focused more on his son's personal side rather than his sporting achievements, adding that the Barça midfielder's first present was a football.