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Leo Messi has revealed in an interview with 'France Football' who he will vote for to win the forthcoming Ballón d'Or.

"I'm not sure who's on the list but Xavi, Andrés and probably one of my fellow countrymen", the 'Pulga' said in an interview he gave before finding out the names of the 23 nominees. Once the definitive list was published however, it was clear that the only Argentinian apart from Messi on the list was Agüero, so it is safe to say that he will vote for Xavi, Iniesta and 'Kun'.

The Argentine believes that the Ballón d'Or is "so important that there isn't much point saying too much about it, although this year there has been considerably more debate in the build-up than in previous years. It was already a hot topic before the season had even started," he said.

Messi also praised Casillas, who finds himself among the 23 players nominated. "And we mustn’t forget Casillas. In my opinion it isn't a hindrance that he's a goalkeeper. Just because he plays in that position doesn't mean he shouldn't win. He's a very important player. One of the best keepers in the world, maybe the best," he said.