Messi still the best in the world: Carles Puyol

SECOND BEST: Lionel Messi came second in the European Footballer of the Year announcement.

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New Delhi: Barcelona defender Carles Puyol has maintained that his teammate, Lionel Messi remains the best player in the world despite failing to snap up the Ballon d’Or.

Argentine sensation Lionel Messi only managed to secure the Silver Ball in Monday night’s European Footballer of the Year announcement, comprehensively beaten to the coveted Golden Ball by Cristiano Ronaldo.

As the debate rages on about who really is the best player at present, Barca’s captain and defender Carles Puyol has thrown his support behind his teammate.

"I congratulate Ronaldo for winning, but for me, Messi is the best player in the world," he said during a promotional outing.

"I enjoy watching him every day, just like how all the fans enjoy watching him play," added Puyol.

The 31-year-old versatile defender then turned his attention to Barcelona’s upcoming games, including the titanic tussle with eternal enemies, Real Madrid in less than two weeks’ time.

"We must take full advantage of the form that we are in now because things can change very quickly in football. But we mustn’t think about the game against Real Madrid. If we do, then we are sure to lose our next match [against Valencia]. We have to take things one day at a time," he concluded.

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