The Argentine has expressed that he would gladly give the prestigious award to his compatriot.
Barcelona’s http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lionel-Messi-c22296, deserves to win this year’s FIFA Ballon d’Or.
This is not the first time that the midfielder/defender has taken out the time to heap praise over the Barca number 10. The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 player, much like most of his teammates, is known for his excessive admiration for his club and La Pulga.
Mascherano strongly believes that given Messi’s performance with both club and country in the past year, there is no reason that he should be denied a fourth consecutive Ballon d’Or.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Leo-c22011 has already won the coveted prize three consecutive times, becoming only the third footballer to do so.
Considering the past year, the Rosario native had yet another exceptional season as far as individual performance is concerned. The attacker was able to make his mark over the record books and impressed football audiences all over the world.
The left-footed playmaker/striker managed to score the highest number of goals in the history of European Football. After finding the back of the net on 73 occasions, the Argentine international was able to break the record previously held by Gerd Muller.
In addition to this, Messi also became the highest goal scorer in the history of La Blaugrana.
All these accolades certainly make the 24-year-old a heavy favourite in his bid to reclaim the Golden Ball. However, he is facing competition from a number of other players across Europe, the closest competitor being Real Madrid’s http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cristiano-Ronaldo-c9629.
The Portuguese skipper was also outstanding throughout the recently passed season after emerging triumphant in the Spanish La Liga. Also, the former Red Devil was brilliant while playing for his country during the Euro 2012.
However, Mascherano has strongly favoured his compatriot to land the esteemed accolade.
While talking to reporters, the former West Ham player was quoted as saying:
"Messi? We are talking about a player who scored more than 80 goals [for Barca and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Argentina-c2841], that is crazy. If I had to vote for the Ballon d'Or, I would give it to Messi, then Xavi and Andres Iniesta."
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ronaldo-c31734 and Messi were among the three finalists shortlisted to win the Ballon d’Or last year. It will be interesting to see who wins the award this time around.
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