Anderson tips Messi for success

Former Barcelona striker Sonny Anderson believes Lionel Messi deserves to win the 2011 FIFA Ballon d’Or at Monday’s gala in Switzerland.

Anderson, who spent two seasons at Barca before his retirement in 2006, feels that players like Messi are rare and said the prolific Argentine is the one who ‘makes the difference’ at his former club.

The former Brazil international went on to say that Andres Iniesta and Xavi play a large role in Messi’s success, describing the latter is Barcelona’s brain.

“For me, the artist Messi deserves the Ballon d’Or. He is the one who makes the difference, regardless of the opposition and the occasion,” Anderson told France Football.

“He is superior to Cristiano Ronaldo and every other player in the world. Players like Messi are very rare in football.”

“However, the question is whether he’s also this strong without Xavi and Iniesta. Xavi is Barcelona’s brain. He directs play from midfield and makes others play better. Xavi makes things happen on the pitch.”

The 2011 FIFA Ballon d’Or is held at Kongresshaus in Zurich.