With Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi set to take to the podium in Monday evening’s 2015 Ballon d’Or gala, Blaugrana legend Carles Puyol has no doubt as to who deserves the award.
The 28-year-old Argentine striker is gunning for a record fifth win, having lifted the award in four consecutive years from 2009 to 2012, with the former Barcelona captain claiming it will be “a huge injustice” is Leo is not awarded the coveted prize.
La Pulga is odds favorite to clinch the prize, but faces competition from a familiar foe in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo, with newcomer Neymar posing a great threat.
"You never know what might end up happening, but it would be a surprise and a huge injustice if Messi was not to win the Ballon d'Or ," said the 37-year-old, speaking to the Catalan giants’ official website.
Messi will face off against team-mate Neymar and rival Cristiano for the 2015 Ballon d'Or
"The best thing about him is that he keeps on improving and building up his numbers. Now he is a more complete player and it seems that there is no limit to what he can do."
Puyol, who retired in 2014 after playing alongside Messi for 10 seasons at Camp Nou, believes it will be difficult for any other player to match Messi’s Ballon d’Or tally.
"It will be hard for any other player in the future to win five Ballon d'Ors, and Messi is not going to retire tomorrow so even if he wins [his fifth title] on Monday he can even add more to his name.
"Even five Ballons d'Or won't really do justice to him."
