German football legend Lothar Matthaus has claimed Barcelona star Lionel Messi is the only realistic candidate to win the Ballon d’Or this year.
The former Inter man, who won the gong himself after captaining West Germany to World Cup glory in 1990, has suggested no other player should be in the running after the Blaugrana star’s efforts in 2015, in which he has spearheaded Barcelona to four major honours, per FIFA (h/t Sport):
In my opinion, only one player merits the Ballon d'Or. Lionel Messi. He has returned to play at an excellent level for FC Barcelona and has not only won the Champions League but the double in Spain too.