Former FC Barcelona and Brazil icon Rivaldo has claimed that Lionel Messi is the most deserving for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
The 32-year old enjoyed a spectacular season at Nou Camp last year, netting the bal 51 times across all competitions, winning La Liga but falling short of Champions League and Copa del Rey trophies.
However, Argentina’s recent lackluster performance in the Copa America tournament, in addition to Messi’s controversial comments has caused him to receive negative criticism, and accusations for bearing a lack of respect.
Despite all of these, the Blaugrana legend Rivaldo believes the Argentine skipper is the top contender for Ballon d’or this year.
“In my opinion, the Ballon d’Or of this season is Messi for what he has done”
“He didn’t win the Champions League, but because it is an individual prize he scored a lot of goals, important goals.” the 47-year old was quoted saying, courtesy of Betfair.
Messi and Ronaldo both have won Ballons d’Or five times each, and the 1999 winner himself have hailed both the players.
“Messi always makes the difference at Barcelona and Ronaldo at every club and the national team – Juventus and Portugal.”
“It’s going to be thrilling again. When you talk about them it’s for something good, they both score so many goals.”
