Speaking at a general press conference, La Liga striker does not believe Cristiano Ronaldo's glory with Real Madrid last season and this summer's Euro win with Portugal should result in the 31-year-old clinching the FIFA Ballon d'Or over Lionel Messi.
"It is true that [Ronaldo] won those trophies but for me there is no question that Leo is the best player in the world.
"Whether or not he wins that prize he is the best player by far. He has more of an effect on the game that anyone one else.
"He couldn't win a title [the Copa America] with Argentina, but he has won so many titles with Barcelona, and I think that he deserves the Ballon d'Or."
In Messi's 2015/2016 campaign with the Catalan giants, the 29-year-old netted 41 goals and provided 26 assists in all competitions, as his side lifted La Liga title as well as the Copa del Rey trophy. Meanwhile, Ronaldo scored the winning penalty in Los Blancos' UEFA Champions League win over Atletico Madrid and the Portuguese ace also carried his side to a surprising Euro 2016 triumph in France.
Barca's superstar grabbed his fifth Ballon d'Or last year, leaving him ahead of Ronaldo at 5-3 in the Blaugrana's favor.
Who will win this year's award?
