MX23RW : Sunday, November 24 12:03:42| >> :120:5520:5520:

Xavi: 'Ballon d'Or race is open'

Barcelona midfielder Xavi hints that teammate Lionel Messi might struggle to win the FIFA Ballon d'Or this year.

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.

ID:118713: cacheID:118713:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2716:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi vies with Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo during the Spanish league Clasico football match on October 26, 2013
Read Next:
Messi's brother pokes fun at Ronaldo
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Vikings
@
Bears
6pm
Lions
@
Colts
6pm
Patriots
@
Dolphins
6pm
Buccaneers
@
Giants
6pm
Chiefs
@
Panthers
6pm
Titans
@
Texans
6pm
Cowboys
@
Washington
9.05pm
Broncos
@
Raiders
9.25pm
49ers
@
Packers
9.25pm
Cardinals
@
Seahawks
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona14111242142834
2Atletico MadridAtletico148512181329
3Real Madrid1283125111427
4Villarreal127322319424
5GironaGirona146352018221
6Mallorca146351312121
7Osasuna136341720-321
8Athletic Bilbao135531913620
9Real BetisBetis145541616020
10Real Sociedad135351110118
11Celta Vigo145362224-218
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15Getafe142751011-113
16AlavesAlaves144191524-913
17Las PalmasLas Palmas143381825-712
18Valencia122461219-710
19Espanyol133191226-1410
20Real ValladolidValladolid142391027-179


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!