Xavi exclusive: Lionel Messi should win Ballon d'Or every year - maybe Neymar after him

Speaking exclusively to Eurosport, the World Cup winner was asked who he thinks will be the next player outside Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to lift the Ballon d’Or.

The duo have dominated the prestigious individual award for the year’s best player for many seasons now (they have split the last seven awards – Messi winning four and Ronaldo three) but, when the time comes for a new name to lift the prize, Xavi expects it to be another Barcelona player.

“After [Messi and Ronaldo] it’s difficult, as they’ve monopolised it for the last seven years I think,” Xavi told Eurosport's Pete Burton.

“The last seven Ballon d’Ors have been theirs. After that, I don’t know… It could be Luis Suarez, Neymar… footballers that make a difference and score.

“I think it could be someone like that. But being Messi at his usual level, I think it should be him.”

Xavi is certain Messi will lift the prize again this year, following a campaign that saw him help Barcelona to domestic and European glory.

“Well, this year, no doubt, will be Messi again,” the 35-year-old said. “For the treble, for the year he’s had: he’s shown a spectacular level, unbeatable.

“While Messi is at his usual level, I think it should [always] be Messi.”

Xavi was speaking at a promotional event for Tocball. Visit the Facebook page here.