Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker believes that Barcelona striker Lionel Messi deserves to be handed the Ballon d'Or award on Monday evening.

Messi is on the three-man shortlist for the award that also includes club teammate Andres Iniesta and Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, the former Spurs striker has branded Messi "in a league of his own". He tweeted: "Ronaldo has his fans and I include myself amongst them, but the reality is, Messi is in league of his own."

The gong will be awarded later this evening.