Messi is the best player in the world, says Blatter

Jan 25, 2013 6:05:00 PM

The Fifa president is "proud" that the Argentine won the Ballon d'Or earlier in the month, and hinted that runners up could be given consolation prizes in the future

Fifa president Sepp Blatter says Barcelona star Lionel Messi is currently the best player in the world and deserved to win his record-breaking fourth straight Ballon d'Or earlier in January.

The Argentine saw off competition from Cristiano Ronaldo and Andres Iniesta to claim the award, and the Swiss official feels that there should be consolation prizes.

“Messi is currently the best player, therefore we are very proud that the voters have made such a clear decision," he told Fifa.com.

"As we invite the three remaining candidates, perhaps we should give three medals to avoid two of them going home empty-handed. This is something we should think about for the future."

Fifa merged their World Player of the Year award with France Football's Ballon d'Or in 2010, and Messi has won all three editions of the newly-formed accolade.