Lionel Messi wants a Barcelona player to win the Ballon d'Or.
His Barcelona team-mates Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Carles Puyol and David Villa are also on the initial shortlist for the award alongside another trio of Spain World Cup winners in Iker Casillas, Xabi Alonso and Cesc Fabregas.
If he can not retain the title of the planet's best player himself, Messi is hopeful that the award will remain at the Camp Nou but he expects Spain's status as world champions to carry significant sway.
"What I wish the most is for the Ballon d'Or to remain in our changing-room," he said.
"I would love to get it another time in a row. It would be really great, but I believe the World Cup will have a big importance in the final decision."
