Italy legend, Fabio Cannavaro has given his pick on who should win the Ballon d’Or award this year, believing that the award should go to Argentina and Barcelona icon, Lionel Messi – courtesy of his performances in the 2021 Copa America win.
Messi won his first international trophy with Argentina after they beat Brazil in the final of the Copa America and the 34-year-old played a key role in the win as his goals and assists led him to being named as the Player of the Tournament.
Cannavaro who won the Ballon d’Or award in 2006, the year he led Italy to the World Cup title believes that Messi deserves to be given the honour for his exploits on the pitch.
“He is the absolute No.1 and he was the protagonist of a great Copa America,” Cannavaro told Tuttosport.
The legendary defender also went on to hail his fellow countryman, Gianluigi Donnarumma who was named as the Player of the Tournament in the recently concluded 2020 European Championship.
“Donnarumma is the real champion of this Azzurri side. I am surprised that, before the Euros, somebody thought he was an averagej goalkeeper. There’s nothing average in Gigio, just think of the tranquillity he has at 22. He will be the best goalkeeper for the next 10-15 years,” he added.