Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli believes that he is capable of winning FIFA's Ballon d'Or award.

However, the Italian has conceded that Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi will have to suffer a dip in form if he is to win the coveted prize.

"I can win the Ballon d'Or, but only if Messi's level drops a bit," the former Inter attacker told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"It will be very complicated to do so if he keeps up his current form. I really believe I can win the award, but there's not much I can do if Messi maintains this level."

Balotelli joined City in 2010.