Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has backed Andres Iniesta to win the Ballon d'Or, but believes that his Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi will pip him to the prize.

The Swede, who played with the pair during his time in Catalonia, said that Iniesta's key role in Spain's third successive major title triumph should not go unrewarded.

"The favourite for sure is Messi because he is a big name," talkSPORT quotes Ibrahimovic as saying.

"He has had a fantastic year, and every game he is scoring so many goals. But I voted for Iniesta to win it because he won the European Championship and he made a big jump for Barcelona.

"Messi doesn't score these goals by himself, he has people around him who are amazing. One of these amazing guys is Iniesta. He has been on top for many years but always Messi has won it, so let Iniesta win it now."

The winner will be announced on January 7.

Written by
Michael Penkman