Barcelona centre-back, Gerard Pique was asked who he felt should win the Ballon d’Or and the Catalan was unable to hold back his excitement over the possibility of striker, Leo Messi winning his fourth consecutive World Player of the Year award, but admits he is also pulling for teammate, Andres Iniesta, who along with Real Madrid forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, round out the top three finalists.

In a recent press conference, Pique revealed why he feels Messi should win the award and reveals that the diminutive Argentine has stolen his heart.

“Iniesta has won the European Championship this year and could win it. Cristiano Ronaldo has had a great season, but Leo has stolen my heart. I think he’s the big favourite,

“To break a record like [Mueller’s], you have to play well and also have the little bit of luck that we’ve been having. You have to take things a game at a time and that way the records break themselves.

“It’s one of those things that gets you excited, because it’s such an old record. But we shouldn’t be focusing on that, because that will actually make it harder for him to score. Messi has to relax.”

Pique then stated that he would give the managerial Ballon d’Or to Spanish national team manager, Vicente del Bosque over former Barcelona manager, Pep Guardiola.

“I’d like Vicente to win it, because he won the World Cup and the European Championship. He’s done a terrific job and when he’s been criticised by the press he’s always remained true to his ideals. The way he’s run the dressing room has been nothing short of spectacular. He’s a top bloke and he deserves it. Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho have already won it.”

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