Barcelona

Yaya Touré: Messi Will Win Ballon d'Or Next Year!

Lionel Messi's Barcelona team-mate, Yaya Touré, has today offered his support to the Argentine for the Ballon d'Or next year, and says he is the best...

Dec 2, 2008 6:02:03 PM

Photo Gallery

Zoom

Yaya Toure - Barcelona

Teams

Barcelona

Lionel Messi might have lit up La Liga over the past year but he didn't do enough to win the Ballon d'Or this year, a prize that was given to Cristiano Ronaldo instead.

The Portuguese winger has been in sparkling form for Manchester United but speaking to El Mundo Deportivo, Yaya Touré says that he thinks his Argentine team-mate will pick up the award next time around.

"Cristiano Ronaldo has done massive things in both the Premier League and in the Champions League," said the midfielder.

"Messi is the best though and I am convinced that next year he will win the Ballon d'Or."

The Ivory Coast international also didn't rule out fellow African Samuel Eto'o, saying that he is 'an important player of great quality.'

Touré has himself been at the centre of transfer speculation this year regarding a possible move to Arsenal but today he distanced himself from that in a press conference held at the Camp Nou.

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com