The Spain international believes that the Argentine is a worthy recipient of this year's Goal 50 after inspiring Barcelona to a treble last season.
Manchester United star Juan Mata is in "no doubt" that Lionel Messi deserved to win this year's Goal 50.
Barcelona star Messi claimed the prestigious prize for a record-breaking fourth time after beating Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo to top spot in our vote to determine the best player in the world over the past 12 months.
Mata sees the Argentina international as a most worthy recipient of the accolade, given the 28-year-old attacker played an integral role in his club's treble triumph last term.