Barcelona captain Carles Puyol insists teammate Lionel Messi is the best player in the world.

Reacting to the crowning of Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo as Football of the Year yesterday, Puyol said: "Cristiano is the one that deserves it, because he has had a very good season.

"But for me, the best is Messi. He is my teammate, I enjoy working every day with him and enjoy watching him play.

"I think I am not only one. You all have the same feeling.

"I am sure that one day he will win this award. With excitement, enthusiasm, attitude and he will not win just won one, but many."