Argentina international Messi won the inaugural award last year after FIFA's World Player of the Year crown and France Football's Ballon d'Or gong were merged.
The Barcelona star is the favourite to pick up the title once again after a stunning 2010/11 season at the Nou Camp in which he scored 53 goals in all competitions.
He was also the Catalan club's top scorer as Pep Guardiola's charges retained the Primera Division title and beat Manchester United in the Champions League final.
Messi's team-mate Xavi has also been at his impressive best, while Real Madrid's Ronaldo is a strong contender after he scored 53 times for his club side.
Meanwhile, Guardiola, Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson were shortlisted for the 2011 FIFA Coach of the Year award.
Wayne Rooney was nominated for his stunning overhead kick against Manchester City last season in the category for the 2011 goal of the year - the FIFA Puskas award.
The winners will be announced in a ceremony in Zurich on 9 January 2012.
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