FC Barcelona stalwart Gerard Pique believes there are two stars who deserve to win the next Ballon d'Or accolade – one is Lionel Messi, and the other is a legend of the game.
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The Spanish defender feels that if the Argentine does not win the next edition of the prestigious individual award, Juventus and Italy superstar Gianluigi Buffon should because of everything he has achieved, this season and throughout his career.
The goalkeeper has been in phenomenal form once again for his Serie A club this campaign, guiding them to the league title, the Coppa Italia crown and the UEFA Champions League final.
"Messi this year will win the Golden Shoe as top scorer and deserves the Ballon d'Or again," Pique told Mediaset.
"But if you must look at the trophies, then Buffon has won the Scudetto, the Coppa Italia and can win the Champions League.
"He deserves it for his career and also for this season, and it would be good for another goalkeeper to win it after (Lev) Yashin."
The Blaugrana star also spoke about the upcoming Champions League final between the Bianconeri and Real Madrid.
"It'll be a game between two great teams," he added.
"Juventus have been doing well for a number of years now and they have great players like Buffon, who really wants to win this trophy for the first time, and Dani Alves, our old teammate, and it'd be nice to see him win it."
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Buffon has won eight Serie A titles, five Supercoppa Italiana trophies, three Coppa Italia crowns, and the 2006 FIFA World Cup in his playing career so far.
Would you back the Italian for the next Ballon d'Or? Have your say in the comments section below.
