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David Silva says that Lionel Messi is the best footballer in the world and hopes that a Spanish player wins the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or.

Manchester City attacking midfielder David Silva believes that Lionel Messi is the best footballer in the world.

The 26-year-old also backs the Barcelona forward to win the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or ahead of his Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

"I prefer those two (Messi and Ronaldo), they are such great players and they are at the highest level, but I think Messi is the best," Silva told AS.

"He shows every weekend that he is above the rest. I hope that a Spaniard can win [the Ballon d'Or]. If they don't win it now, then, I don't think they ever will."

Silva joined City from Valencia in 2010.

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