Former Ballon d'Or winner Lothar Matthaus has said that no player other than Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi deserves the award this year.
Messi has already won the award four times in his career, but Cristiano Ronaldo has taken football's biggest personal achievement on the last two occasions.
Matthaus, who won the Ballon d'Or in 1990, says that he cannot imagine that being the case this year.
"For me, there's only one player who deserves the award and that's Leo Messi," the former Germany international told FIFA TV. "He has returned to an excellent level with his club and he didn't just win the Champions League but also did a league and cup double with Barca.
"Trophies have been a bit harder to come by with Argentina though. Despite that, his goal scoring feats speaks for itself – as do his brilliant performances and all of the triumphs he has gained with Barca.
"He possesses extraordinary class and is constantly showing the uniqueness of his game. For me, it would be a huge surprise if the trophy doesn't go to him".
Messi has scored 418 goals in 492 appearances for Barcelona, and last season scored 58 goals in 57 appearances.
Miles Jolliffe
