New Delhi: If Barcelona legend Xavi had a say Cristiano Ronaldo wouldn't have even appeared in the top three for Ballon d'Or.
In an interview to a renowned sports magezine, Xavi said, , 'First Leo (Lionel Messi). Second (Philipp) Lahm and third (Javier) Mascherano'. when asked
'If you had been Spain captain who would you have voted for the Ballon d'Or?'
Xavi said Messi is the best player in the world and we have to live with these responses. But I see him happy and content.
'Very different to last year when he suffered that beastly injury that kept him off the field for two months, also with the World Cup on the horizon, it wasn't an easy year for anybody.
'But this year he's at the top, we are really enjoying it with him on the pitch. He's performing like the best Messi.'
The FIFA Ballon d'Or award is given annually to the male player who is considered to have performed the best in the previous year. The prestigious award will be presented on January 12, 2015.
