Former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb has stuck the knife into Manchester United by claiming Lionel Messi was robbed by Cristiano Ronaldo for the Ballon d'Or. Ronaldo scooped the award ahead of Barcelona star Messi in France last week after a season where he netted 42 goals and won the Premier League and Champions League.But Hleb insists club team-mate Messi does not need to win anything to justify being crowned Europe's best player.
Messi has continued his brilliant form this season and scored in Saturday's El Clásico against rivals Real Madrid and there is no doubt in Hleb's mind that he is the best player in the world.
He said: "If you are from this planet then you understand that you do not need to win titles to be recognised as the best player in the world.
"Ronaldo played well and walked through England winning the Premier League and the Champions League, but if there was an award for the player who gives us the most joy then it would be Messi.
"Messi gives pleasure to every football fan and is responsible for revolutionising the game.
"It is an honour to work with him everyday - he is a true genius."
Messi has continued his brilliant form this season and scored in Saturday's El Clásico against rivals Real Madrid and there is no doubt in Hleb's mind that he is the best player in the world.
He said: "If you are from this planet then you understand that you do not need to win titles to be recognised as the best player in the world.
"Ronaldo played well and walked through England winning the Premier League and the Champions League, but if there was an award for the player who gives us the most joy then it would be Messi.
"Messi gives pleasure to every football fan and is responsible for revolutionising the game.
"It is an honour to work with him everyday - he is a true genius."
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