In a recent interview with TV3 in Qater, Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez doesn't agree on Cristiano Ronaldo as the winner of the Ballon d'Or this year.
Xavi believes that the factors taken into consideration by the voters didn't also consider the individual accomplishments of the players. In reference to Cristiano Ronaldo's club and country titles for this year, the Barcelona legend goes on to say "This year, they cared more about the titles won, whereas in years past it was about the best player. Lionel Messi is the best of them all, even if the titles were won by someone else."
This is not the first time Xavi has spoken out regarding his preference for Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo. Back in September, Xavi also gave an interview to radio station Cadena SER regarding Messi's greatness. "Ronaldo is extraordinary but compared to Messi, for me and for everyone who likes football, there can be no comparisons. Messi will be number one until he wants to stop. He's superior to everyone, unless you support Real Madrid."
This prompted Cristiano Ronaldo to issue a no holds barred comeback to Xavi during Real Madrid's post match conference in the game against Osasuna. "Why is Xavi relevant? He plays in Qatar. I'm the most searched-for sportsman on social media. Everyone knows that if they want to get on the front page they have to speak about me. He doesn't have any Ballon d'Ors and I have three."
There's one more award to be contested by the two greats in football--the FIFA Best Player of the Year award on January. It remains to be seen whether Lionel Messi will win the inaugural award, although the crowd favorite is still Cristiano Ronaldo for his club and country achievements this year.
