Dani Alves believes Lionel Messi's hat-trick last night should end any debate over the Barcelona star winning the Ballon d'Or this week. Many have questioned Messi's victory, but the Argie put the controversy aside to fire home a treble in Barca's Copa thrashing of Real Betis.
"With today's match Messi has settled any debate or controversy," declared Barca fullback Alves.
"Anyone who has won the Ballon d'Or deserves it, but Leo is better than others."
Alves played down his first-half clash with Gerard Pique.
"Gerard thought I was complaining about teammates, but I was talking about the referee. Hot flashes occur with very tense games, but we have solved things and everything is calm."
