Ribery should win Ballon d`Or, not Messi: Thiago

The Spain midfielder believes that his team-mate deserves the award over the Barcelona star, having won an unprecedented German treble with Bayern Munich.

Munich: Thiago Alcantara has claimed that Franck Ribery should win the Ballon d`Or over Lionel Messi after Bayern Munich`s trophy haul in 2013.

Ribery, who won Uefa`s Best Player in Europe award having helped his team to an unprecedented German treble, is in the final three-man shortlist alongside Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. "He (Messi) is the best in the world, but I understand the sport is a team game and Ribery has won more titles this year. I think that it is why he should win the Ballon d`Or," Thiago told reporters. "Messi will always be looked at with a magnifying glass and negative news is always looked for." Thiago was on the scoresheet as Bayern Munich added to their trophy collection on Saturday, winning the Club World Cup final 2-0 against Raja Casablanca. However, the 22-year-old has dismissed speculation surrounding his future and a potential move back to La Liga, although he admits he misses the good times at Barcelona. "I have spent six months in Munich and I do not regret my decision. I am happy," he continued. “In my life, I will never regret what I’ve done, but I do miss Barca for the good times I experienced, though I have already said that I don’t regret moving. It’s always this way for players. Barca is a marvellous club and we only form a part of it. No club will ever miss any individual player.” The Spaniard also defended his former club and said Barca were "playing great". He added: "With more direct football I see nothing wrong. If they are first in the league, (and) first in their Champions League group, they are fine." Goal.com