Argentina's Messi, Brazil's 2007 winner Kaka and Spanish pair Andres Iniesta and Xavi completed the shortlist for the title which will be awarded by football's governing body Fifa on December 21.
All five nominees released on Monday play for Spanish clubs – Ronaldo and Kaka for Real Madrid and Xavi, Messi and Iniesta for Barcelona.
Messi has already won the Ballon D'Or awarded by France Football magazine, mainly after helping Barcelona to win the European Champions League.
Ronaldo took both titles last year after winning the Champions League with Manchester United.
The winner will be chosen by national team coaches and captains, who cannot vote for players from their own country.
Last year Argentina coach Diego Maradona labelled the rules as stupid after he was unable to vote for Messi.
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