Sergio Aguero: 'Lionel Messi is the best ever'

Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero has branded his Argentina teammate Lionel Messi "the best ever".

As Messi battles for his fifth consecutive FIFA Ballon d'Or, Aguero believes that the Barcelona attacker is the clear favourite for the award.

"We are talking about the best ever, and he will remain so," Aguero told reporters. "So, we all have to give our best and one day hope for that big reward."

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery are also believed to be frontrunners for the award.