Former Barcelona striker Gary Lineker has tipped Argentina international and Paris Saint-Germain striker Lionel Messi to win his 7th Ballon d’Or this year.
Lineker, in his statement, disclosed that it would be difficult for any player to beat Messi to the prestigious football award this year.
The former striker stressed that Messi winning the Copa America with his home country and his top performance at Barcelona was enough to win the Ballon door.
When asked who he thinks will win the Ballon d’ Or, Lineker told Marca: “It will be difficult to overcome Messi.
“He had a great first part of the season and then he won the Copa América with Argentina.”
The winner of this year’s Ballon d’ Or will be announced at a gala event on November 29.
This year’s gala will be staged at the Chatelet Theatre in Paris, France.
Messi, who has already won the Ballon d’Or six times, will compete against N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Robert Lewandowski.