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NYON, Switzerland (AP) — Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez of Champions League winner Barcelona will compete with Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo for UEFA's Best Player in Europe award for last season.
UEFA says the three stars topped a Europe-wide poll of journalists who chose from a 10-player shortlist.
The same 54-member panel picks a winner on Aug. 27 at the Champions League group draw in Monaco.
Messi and Ronaldo had a season-long duel for the Champions League scoring record and resume this season tied on 77 goals.
Suarez is nominated despite starting his season in late-October after serving a FIFA fan for biting at the World Cup.
The Uruguay forward scored the decisive goal in Barcelona's 3-1 win over Juventus in the Champions League final.
Five Juventus players were shortlisted.
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