2012 Ballon D'Or: Statistically Analysing Messi, Ronaldo and Iniesta This Season

If shortlisting the nominees for the Ballon d'Or was supposed to make picking a winner easier...think again.

Choosing between the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Didier Drogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic was hard enough, but now, it is down to the final three: Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta, and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo.

They say statistics never lie, and although they aren't the be-all and end-all of determining the prestigious winner of the Ballon d'Or, I think we can learn a lot from taking an in-depth look at the performances of each of the three La Liga nominees.

All statistics used in this article are derived from the website whoscored.com, and will compare each of the three on identical aspects of their game.

Whilst I cannot guarantee a definitive answer to who will prevail come the FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala at the Kongresshaus in Zurich on 7 January 2013, I can guarantee you will be blown away by some of the numbers produced by each of the final three.

Lionel Messi

Not content with three consecutive Ballon d'Ors, Lionel Messi is once again being touted as the favourite to take out the prestigious prize.

The Argentine not only proved prolific in Spain, but finally hit top form for the national side as well, guiding them to an impressive World Cup qualifying campaign—where they sit top of the group.

Statistics in all competitions this season:

Appearances: 20

- Minutes: 1818

Shots: 106

Goals: 26

- Goal Breakdown:

• Open play: 22
• Penalties:1
• Free-kicks: 1
• Left Footed: 20
• Right Footed: 3
• Headers: 1

Assists: 7

Total Passes: 1312

Passing Accuracy (percentage): 85.5

Crosses (completed): 32 (7)

Long Balls (completed): 44 (40)

Silverware (since the previous Ballon d'Or): 1; Copa del Rey 2011-12

Individual Accolades (since the previous Ballon D'or): 2012 European Sports Media Team of the Year, 2012 European Golden Shoe, 2011-12 UEFA Champions League Top Goalscorer, 2012 La Liga Golden Boot; La Liga forward of the year, La Liga player of the year.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Despite comments suggesting that Cristiano Ronaldo is unhappy at Real Madrid, the Portuguese forward has been scintillating for Jose Mourinho's side.

His goals in the Spanish Supercup at the beginning of this season guided Madrid to the trophy, whilst his seemingly unstoppable goal tally last year delivered the league title to the capital. If there is anyone who has the potential to usurp Messi from winning his fourth Ballon d'Or, it is Ronaldo. 

Statistics in all competitions this season:

Appearances: 20

- Minutes: 1799

Shots: 141

Goals: 19

- Goal Breakdown:

• Open play: 15
• Penalties:4
• Free-kicks: 0
• Left Footed: 4
• Right Footed: 9
• Headers: 2

Assists: 1

Total Passes: 654

Passing Accuracy (percentage): 82.4

Crosses (completed): 42 (7)

Long Balls (completed): 14 (10)

Silverware (since the previous Ballon d'Or): 2; La Liga Title 2011-2012, Supercopa deEspana 2012.

Individual Accolades (since the previous Ballon d'Or): 2012 UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament, 2012 UEFA Euro Top Scorer, 2012 European Sports Media Team of the Year, 2012 La Liga Footballer of the Year (Marca - Trofeo Alfredo Di Stéfano).

Andres Iniesta

Andres Iniesta is no stranger to a Ballon d'Or nomination, finishing second to Messi in the 2010 edition of the awards.

Iniesta, unlike Messi and Ronaldo, has tended to avoid the spotlight, quietly going about his business on the pitch. The offensive midfielder proved instrumental in Spain's Euro 2012 victory, and in conjunction with another impressive Barcelona season, is a worthy nominee.

Statistics in all competitions this season:

Appearances: 13

- Minutes: 983

Shots: 21

Goals: 3

- Goal Breakdown:

• Open play: 3
• Penalties:0
• Free-kicks: 0
• Left Footed: 0
• Right Footed: 3
• Headers: 0

Assists: 6

Total Passes: 1023

Passing Accuracy (percentage): 90.9

Crosses (completed): 11 (3)

Long Balls (completed): 23 (21)

Silverware (since the previous Ballon  d'Or): 2; European Championship 2012 (Spain); Copa del Rey 2011-12

Individual Accolades (since the previous Ballon  d'Or): 2012 UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament, 2012 La Liga best attacking midfielder, 2011-12 UEFA Champions League best player, 2012 Euro Championships player of the tournament, 2012 best player in Europe.

Still Hard to Tell?

Despite the fact that Andres Iniesta is vastly outnumbered by both Ronaldo and Messi in the goal department, it would seem that the Spaniard has racked up more individual accolades than either of them. So where does that leave us?

Well, here's some food for thought.

We have Europe's Golden Boot, the 2011-12 La Liga player of the year and the European player of the year all vying for the same coveted award. Whilst Messi's record in front of goal stands out, so too does Ronaldo's effectiveness at a domestic level and Iniesta's achievements individually.

Who do you think will win the 2012 Ballon d'Or and why?