Lionel Messi 'the only candidate' for Ballon d'Or award, says teammate
Andres Iniesta says Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi is the only choice of the 2014 FIFA Ballon d'Or.
Messi, a four-time winner of football's most prestigious individual prize, is in the running for the latest edition of the trophy â to be handed out Jan. 12 - alongside Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Despite current holder Ronaldo remaining the favorite ahead of the ceremony in January, Iniesta believes there is only one worthy winner.
"For me, the only candidate I see is Leo," he told Marca. "Everyone has their opinion and they are free to express it. The Ballon d'Or is not decided by titles but by a vote of people who believe a player deserves it because they are the best. For me, the number one is Leo. Today and always."
Iniesta is also confident that Barca boasts the finest attacking lineup in world football in Messi, Luis Suarez and Brazil star Neymar.
"I think that the names we have are the best strikers. There can be nothing negative said when you talk about Leo, Ney and Luis," he added.
