Mario Balotelli: "I can win the Ballon d'Or"

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli believes that he is capable of winning FIFA's Ballon d'Or award.

However, the Italian has conceded that Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi will have to suffer a dip in form if he is to win the coveted prize.

"I can win the Ballon d'Or, but only if Messi's level drops a bit," the former Inter attacker told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"It will be very complicated to do so if he keeps up his current form. I really believe I can win the award, but there's not much I can do if Messi maintains this level."

Balotelli joined City in 2010.