Newcastle United defender Fabricio Coloccini is of the belief that Lionel Messi should be awarded the Ballon d'Or next month.
The Barcelona star is up against Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery for the world's best footballer prize and Argentine centre-back Coloccini suggests it has to go to his compatriot.
"Leo doesn't have to demonstrate anything to anyone. I hope he has a good World Cup because I wish him to be even greater than he already is," he told Marca.
"If it has to be given to the best player in the world, it has to be given to Messi. He is the very best ahead of the rest and he can't be compared with any player."
