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Dani Alves Snubs Lionel Messi For 2021 Ballon d'Or And Picks Player Who Isn't Even Nominated For Award

Dani Alves Snubs Lionel Messi For 2021 Ballon d'Or And Picks Player Who Isn't Even Nominated For Award

Dani Alves says that it would send a "strong message for the whole world of football" if Christian Eriksen received the Ballon d'Or.

Dani Alves has snubbed former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi for the Ballon d'Or and believes Christian Eriksen “deserves” the award, despite not being nominated.

Messi is considered the strong favourite to win a record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or award on Monday ahead of Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski.

The Barcelona legend lifted the Copa del Rey in his final season at the Camp Nou and finished top scorer in La Liga ahead of his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi, 34, strengthened his case for the 2021 Ballon d'Or by ending his major silverware drought with Argentina after his Copa America triumph in the summer.

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PA

However, Alves has now suggested that Ballon d'Or organisers France Football should have awarded its sought-after prize to Eriksen.

Eriksen, 29, collapsed on the pitch due to cardiac arrest during Denmark’s Euro 2020 clash with Finland at the Parken in Copenhagen.

The Inter Milan midfielder received CPR on the pitch and Denmark’s medical team used defibrillation to resuscitate Eriksen during a tense moment at the competition.

Alves, who re-signed for Barcelona in November, believes that Eriksen receiving the Ballon d'Or would send a “strong message for the whole world of football.”

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia (via Football Italia), he said: “Eriksen deserves the Ballon d’Or this year.

PA

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“For what he’s been through. It would be a strong message for the whole world of football, people would have more sensitivity.

“Messi is the best, he has been for 20 years, but it would be nice for everyone if Eriksen won it.”

Alves agreed a deal to return to Barcelona earlier this month, but the 38-year-old Brazilian right-back is ineligible to play for his side until January.

The former Juventus and PSG star lifted six La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues, four Copa del Reys and four Spanish Super Cups during his first spell at Barcelona.

The winner of the 2021 Ballon d'Or will be revealed tonight at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Dani Alves, Lionel Messi, Christian Eriksen, Football, Barcelona, La Liga, Spain