Al-Sadd's Xavi believes Messi should win Ballon d'Or

Xavi says Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain the two best players in the world but says his former Barcelona team-mate deserves to win the Ballon d'Or.

Messi has won the award four times to Ronaldo's three, with the Real Madrid star voted the best player in the world in each of the last two years.

However, the Argentina captain inspired his side to the treble last season and Xavi believes that that achievement means he is the undisputed favourite to win the prize again. He told Fifa.com: "I think Leo is the clear favourite now, and he deserves it too for everything he’s achieved at Barcelona.

"There’s no comparison in my book. He has total command of every aspect of the game. He’s the best at everything and he shows that in every match. He deserves this Ballon d’Or."

Xavi, who left Barca for Qatari club Al-Sadd at the end of last season, also tipped Catalan duo Luis Suarez and Neymar to rival Messi and Ronaldo in the years ahead.

"Cristiano and Messi are still a cut above, but other players can come into it too, like Neymar and Luis>