Former Spain coach Luis Aragones says he would have awarded the Ballon d'Or to Barcelona's Spanish international midfielder Xavi Hernandez instead of the club's Argentine striker Lionel Messi.
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Xavi Hernandez |
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"I would give the award to Xavi. Although I don't believe too much in these awards. Messi as well as (Cristiano) Ronaldo and Xavi are qualified to win it. Strikers have more chances because goals always sell," he said.
The 22-year-old, whom Cristiano Ronaldo beat into second place last season for the accolade of Europe-based footballer of the year, easily saw off the Portuguese striker this year by 473 points to 233.
Xavi finished third with 170 points. The winner of the Ballon d'Or is selected by a panel of journalists and soccer officials in a vote organised by France Football magazine.
Xavi, 29, played a key part in Barcelona's treble last season and in Spain's Euro 2008 win.
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