Xavi: 'Ballon d'Or race is open'

Barcelona midfielder Xavi believes that his teammate Lionel Messi could struggle to win the FIFA Ballon d'Or this year due to the performances of Cristiano Ronaldo and Franck Ribery.

Real Madrid's Ronaldo has been in impressive scoring form since the start of the year, while Ribery was a key member of the Bayern Munich side that won the Champions League.

While claiming that Messi is still "the best player in the world", Xavi has hinted that the Argentine could lose out to the strong competition.

"If we ask ourselves who the best player in the world is, then it has to be Messi, there's no question about that," he told Sport. "But if we ask who has been the best player in 2013, then I admit there is more of a debate to be had. The fact Messi has won it four years in a row could end up damaging him when it comes to voting.

"I would always give it to Messi, because he is the player that wins matches by himself, although you have to recognise that Ribery and Cristiano have reached stratospheric heights in terms of goals and assists."

"Ribery won everything, and Cristiano has notched up an incredible amount of goals. If I were captain of Spain and had a vote, I'd vote for Messi first, then Ribery, and then Cristiano. [Arjen] Robben would also be worthy of my vote."

The winner will be announced on January 13.