Fifa Ballon d'Or 2015: 'Huge injustice' if Lionel Messi doesn't win, says Carles Puyol

Messi's former Barcelona team-mate backs the Argentine to win the award for the fourth time

Former Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has claimed it would be a ‘huge injustice’ if Lionel Messi is beaten to the Fifa Ballon d’Or award this evening.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Real Madrid forward, and Messi’s Barca team-mate Neymar are also in the running but Puyol, who made 392 appearances for the Spanish giants, cannot look past the Argentine wizard.

The 37-year-old told Marca: “You never know what will happen in the end, but it would be a big surprise and a huge injustice if Messi did not win the Ballon d'Or.

“The best thing about him is that he goes on developing and breaking new records. He is now a complete player and he seems not to have any limits.”

Puyol also backed his former club to win a succession of trophies under Luis Enrique this season as they aim to retain the Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey.

“If they go on with this passion and don't lose their humility, they could win the lot once more.

“It is difficult, obviously, because you might always have a bad day, or injuries, but if there is any team capable of doing it, it is this Barca team.”