Henrik Larsson backs Barcelona midfielder Xavi for FIFA Ballon d'Or

Swedish legend Henrik Larsson believes that Barcelona midfielder Xavi should win the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or.

The 41-year-old, who played for Barca between 2004 and 2006, admits that the Spaniard's teammate Lionel Messi and Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo will make it hard for him to win the award.

"Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the best players in the world," he told Mundo Deportivo. "However, Xavi deserves this prize because he is a wonderful midfielder.

"I think that for him it is hard because, of course, he scored fewer goals than the Argentine and the Portuguese."

Larsson won La Liga twice and the Champions League once with Barcelona.