Barcelona ace Lionel Messi insists he'd be surprised if he won the Ballon d'Or next month. For most, he is the favourite, but Messi says he has never thought about winning the European Player of the Year gong.

"I honestly never dreamed of winning it," said Messi.

"It is a very special prize and really nice because all players would like to have. I will like to have it too!"

Messi was also asked about his troubling form for Argentina.

"I am just one more player, but it would be easier if we played the same system as Barca," he replied.