Real Madrid Goalkeeper Iker Casillas: Barcelona's Lionel Messi Is The World's Best Player

In the debate between who's the greater of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid 'keeper Casillas sides with the Barcelona star.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has admitted that he feels that Barcelona’s Lionel Messi is the best player in the world, perhaps unwittingly giving Argentine star a billing ahead of club-mate Christiano Ronaldo.

Casillas, however, doesn’t believe that Messi would be the rightful recipient of the FIFA Ballon d’Or this season as the South American goes up against Xavi and Andres Iniesta for the award.

“I'm disappointed not to get into the finalists,” the goalkeeper told Marca, expressing his disappointment at missing out on the final three. “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.”

Meanwhile, the Spanish World Cup winner was forced to pass comment on his side’s recent 5-0 Clasico embarrassment against Barca, though he was quick to point out that it was simply “one more loss”.

Real Madrid can temporarily regain leadership of La Liga if they win in Zaragoza on Sunday evening, though Barcelona kick-off two hours later at home to Real Sociedad and will expect three points in that clash.