Following the nominations for the Ballon d’Or award earlier this week, a Spanish poll has surprisingly backed Lionel Messi over rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

The poll, run by the popular publication Marca, revealed that Messi was the overwhelming favourite among the pool as he garnered 58% of the total vote. Ronaldo, who is widely believed to be on the verge of claiming the prize for a fourth time following Champions League success with Real Madrid and European glory with Portugal, finished way off the pace as he reeled in just 26.6% of the vote.

Over 100 000 participants reportedly participated in the poll, revealing Ronaldo’s victory in the voting proper is perhaps not as assured as it is widely believed to be.

Messi has in fact outscored Ronaldo in all competitions this year, netting 49 times to the Portuguese’s 41 strikes thus far. The Argentine has also set up more goals than his rival, assisting 29 times to Ronaldo’s 15.

Messi also helped his Barcelona side to two trophies last season as the Catalans lifted both La Liga and the Copa del Rey, but the Argentinian failed to guide his national team to glory in the Copa America, as they were defeated in the final by Chile following a penalty shootout.