Goal of the year | Messi, Neymar, Robson-Kanu go for FIFA award

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi, Neymar and a Johan Cruyff-style turn from Hal Robson-Kanu are among 10 candidates to win the FIFA Puskas Award for goal of the year.

Messi has been nominated for a curling, left-footed free kick for Argentina against the United States in a Copa America Centenario semifinal match in June.

Neymar turned to volley a right-footed shot from his own looping flick for Barcelona against Villarreal in November 2015. The Brazil forward previously won the 2011 Puskas Award for a goal scored for Santos.

Wales beat heavily favored Belgium in a European Championship quarterfinal in July, taking the lead when Robson-Kanu created space by misdirecting three defenders with a deft Cruyff turn.

FIFA said an online vote until Dec. 2 will create a shortlist of three goals. A second round of voting will decide the winner at FIFA’s annual awards ceremony in Zurich on Jan. 9.

The 10 goals were scored between Sept. 30, 2015 and Sept. 30, 2016.

They include Saul Niguez’s solo dribble for Atletico Madrid through the Bayern Munich defense in a Champions League semifinal in April.

From inside his own half, Hlompho Kekana scored for South Africa against Cameroon in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in March.

A diving back-heel flick by Simon Skrabb scored in a Swedish league game for Atvidaberg against Gefle in October 2015.

The other candidates are: Mario Gaspar (for Spain vs. England, friendly, November 2015); Marlone (for Corinthians vs. Cobresal, Copa Libertadores, April 2016); Daniuska Rodriguez (for Venezuela vs. Colombia, South American Women’s Under-17 Championship, March 2016); Mohd Faiz Subri (for Penang vs. Pahang, Malaysia Super League, February 2016). AP