Barcelona midfielder, Ivan Rakitic has tipped fellow teammate, Lionel Messi to win the 2018 Ballon d’ Or award ahead of Real Madrid star, Luka Modric.
Messi and Juventus star, Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the award in the past.
The pair had won an incredible five awards each, with Ronaldo equaling Messi’s tally last year.
Rakitic believes Messi is different to other players as he lauded the Barca No. 10 following his enthralling display against Tottenham Hotspur in their Champions League clash at the Wembley Stadium on Wednesday night. Messi scored twice as the La Liga champions defeated Spurs 4-2.
“With all respect to other players who have won the Ballon d’Or, we know there is a player who is different to the others and that is Leo Messi,” Rakitic was quoted by Goal as saying at post-match press conference after Barcelona defeated Tottenham.
“Sometimes there are circumstances like Luka Modric doing an outstanding season and maybe people want to change a bit.
“But, with all respect, Luka and the others know there is a player who is different to the others, and that is Leo Messi, who I believe deserve it.”
The 2018 Ballon d’ Or award will take place on 3rd December 2018.
