Wednesday, 10th October, 2012
Javier Mascherano believes that his Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi should win yet another Ballon d’Or.
Messi has collected the last three Ballon d’Ors, although this year there has been a particularly strong push from Cristiano Ronaldo for the award, with Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho insisting the accolade must go to someone who won the big trophies last season.
relatedNewsStoryAnd despite an astonishing personal season, Messi could only collect the Copa del Rey with Barcelona, while Ronaldo scooped up La Liga as Real Madrid ended the Blaugrana’s league dominance.
For Mascherano though, Messi must be placed above everyone else, though he can see a case for honouring another of his team-mates, midfielder Andres Iniesta.
"The last five years have seen the best years of Messi and that’s why he has three big yellow balls at home", said the Argentine to El Mundo Deportivo, in a nod to the beautiful Ballon d’Or trophy.
"Those who are close to him know what we often see.
"Leo is very clever and discovers what he needs to do to improve, training and improvement.
"That makes it even clearer why he is the best in the world."
Mascherano admits though that he can see why Iniesta should be honoured, but still feels Messi is number one.
"Iniesta and Messi are good people. I wish them both well.
"But Messi is above everyone."
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