Xavi: Messi's Ballon d'Or title under threat

Barcelona Ronaldo Ribery Xavi: Messi's Ballon d'Or title under threat

Xavi says Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi is unquestionably the best player in the world, but not necessarily the top performer of 2013.

Messi faces strong competition to retain the Ballon d'Or award he won for the fourth time last year from perennial challenger Cristiano Ronaldo and Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery.

"If we ask ourselves who the best player in the world is, then it has to be Messi, there's no question about that," Xavi 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 of Fifa's top individual prize will be announced on January 13.

Culled from Kickoffnigeria