Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has said that it is "right" that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo should be considered ahead of him for the Ballon d'Or.

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta also made the final three-man shortlist for the prestigious award, won last year by Messi.

Pirlo, who played a starring role for Italy during their run to the final of Euro 2012, said that he is content with being named on the initial shortlist.

"It's right that they give the Golden Ball to players who score 80 goals a season, like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, or Iniesta," Prilo told Tuttosport.

"I'll just settle for a placing."

The winner will be announced on January 7.

Written by
Michael Penkman