Despite losing to the Old Lady, the Catalan centre-back feels the veteran goalkeeper's achievements warrant one of football's most prestigious awards
Gianluigi Buffon's career achievements warrant a Ballon d'Or, according to Barcelona defender Gerard Pique.
Italy and Juventus great Buffon, 39, will skipper the Scudetto winners against Champions League titleholders Real Madrid in this season's final in Cardiff on June 3, having never claimed the prestigious club competition.
Buffon has won eight Serie A titles, five Supercoppa Italiana trophies, three Coppa Italia crowns, as well as the World Cup in 2006.
While Pique believes Barca team-mate Messi deserves a sixth Ballon d'Or, the Spaniard wants to see Buffon walk away with the top gong.