Wednesday, 10th December, 2014
Argentina legend Javier Zanetti believes that Barcelona striker Lionel Messi deserves the 2014 FIFA Ballon d'Or more than anyone this year.
The Barcelona star, along with Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, has been shortlisted for the award this year.
Zanetti though believes that his countryman deserves the honour more than anyone else as he keeps on surprising everyone with his play.
“I’m hoping that Messi wins it – he’s a true great", Zanetti told FIFA's official site.
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"He never stops surprising people: at any given moment he’s capable of improvising with a touch of skill or something spectacular that can win you a game.
"In my view, he’s the best player in the world."
Given that, the former Inter Milan star believes that it will be a fiercely contested battle and all three of them deserve the award.
“I couldn’t tell you how it’s going to go, because we’re talking about three great players and they’re all worthy contenders.
"I expect the voting to be very fiercely contested, and Neuer certainly deserves to be in the mix too."
The award presentation ceremony will take place in Zurich on 12th January, 2015.
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