Lionel Messi has admitted that he would like to win the Ballon d'Or after finishing in the top three for the past two seasons while his reputation at Barcelona grew.
Last term the Argentinian was instrumental in the Blaugrana's unprecedented Treble success and has been widely tipped to win the France Football gong.
Having accepted an invitation to appear on French television, Messi explained that nearly all the Barca players deserve to be rewarded, but admits he hopes to be named number one.
"I would like to win [the Ballon d'Or]," he told L'Equipe TV .
"I think that any Barca player would deserve the award this season.
"Also I am well placed because two years ago I finished third, last year I was second so this year I hope to be first."
PatientHelping Barcelona to repeat their heroics from last term will certainly help Messi's cause, but he has warned the Catalan giants face tough competition for all three of the crowns they currently hold - especially the UEFA Champions League.
"We need to wait a bit," he added.
"If we do not do what we did last season then we cannot be considered favourites. It is very difficult because everyone wants this trophy.
"The same teams will be with us, like Real Madrid."
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