Messi is already deserving of a sixth Ballon d’Or whether or not he wins a trophy, according to former Brazil striker, Rivaldo.
Barcelona look set to win the La Liga as usual and already sealed their place in the semi final of the UCL thanks to an amazing season from the Argentine maestro.
Messi will definitely be favorite to win the award if he wins a trophy but Rivaldo feels even if he doesn’t, he should still get it.
His words to Goal, “It’s impossible to describe Messi,”
“I like him so much and I always say I feel so sad because he never won the World Cup with . It is an award he deserves because a world-class player like him must be a world champion.
“He has been scoring goals, giving assists and being the top scorer in La Liga for a long time and I think what he has been doing in the Champions League means his merits should be recognised.
“He had a chance to score a bicycle kick [versus Man Utd] but it’s not an easy one to take because you don’t get those chances often in games. It was a good effort but it didn’t quite come off.
“Even if he doesn’t win the Champions League, however, he already deserves the Ballon d’Or.”
On his co Brazilians, “Coutinho is a great player and I am sure he will stay at Barca for a long time. He scored a great goal [against Man Utd] and I think he will stay and be a success. He must be calm because he will be an idol for the fans sooner or later.
“[On Neymar], I have said many times that I think he was wrong [to leave], but everyone is free to make their own decisions. He is still only 27 years old and, who knows, he could come back to Barca. They would probably love to have him back.”
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