Messi backs Barca team-mates for award

(27-10-2010) Lionel Messi has backed Barcelona team-mates Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta for this season’s Ballon d’Or. The little Argentine says he does not expect to retain the coveted award due to a disappointing World Cup. "I want the winner of the Ballon d'Or to be someone in our locker room," Messi told France Football. Asked who he thought was favourite, he replied: "Xavi and Iniesta, who scored in the final. He was the best player in the tournament, even though Diego Forlan was chosen. I think the World Cup will have a lot of weight on the final decision." Barcelona players Carles Puyol, Daniel Alves and David Villa have also all been nominated for this year’s award.