Gary Lineker backs Lionel Messi for accolade

Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker believes that Barcelona striker Lionel Messi deserves to be handed the Ballon d'Or award on Monday evening.

Messi is on the three-man shortlist for the award that also includes club teammate Andres Iniesta and Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, the former Spurs striker has branded Messi "in a league of his own". He tweeted: "Ronaldo has his fans and I include myself amongst them, but the reality is, Messi is in league of his own."

The gong will be awarded later this evening.