Messi is the best football player in the world

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas is the latest to admit that Lionel Messi is the best player on the planet right now. 

Messi has been nominated for the FIFA Ballon d'Or along with Barcelona teammates Xavi and Iniesta. The trio have formed the backbone of a Catalan outfit that has mesmerised the football world with its sumptuous play.

Xavi and Iniesta also played vital roles in Spain's World Cup triumph in South Africa in June.

Casillas, also a World Cup winner himself missed out on the final cut for the award.

Speaking to Marca he said: "I'm disappointed not to get into the finalists.

"They are great players and, in fairness, I hope Messi will understand, I opted for Xavi and Iniesta. Messi is the best in the world, but I prefer them."

The Spanish goal-keeper had to suffer the ignominy of having to pick out the ball from the back of the net five times as Barcelona thrashed their fierce rivals in the season's first El Clasico on November 29.

The Catalans currently lead the La Liga table with Real two points behind.