Barcelona forward Isaac Cuenca has said that teammate Lionel Messi deserves to win the Ballon d'Or.

Cuenca, who made his first-team debut for the Catalan club this season, insists that the Argentinian forward remains the best footballer on the planet and credits him for much of his own success.

"He is the best and deserves another Ballon d'Or," Cuenca told the club's official website.

"Leo helps us younger players, he tries to correct us and encourages us."

Barcelona travel to Real Betis for the final game of the season.