Jordi Alba was in no doubt when naming the best player in the world ahead of the Ballon d’Or awards.
The greatest men’s and women’s players in the world will be crowned on Monday night at a glamorous ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
Vinicius Jr, Rodri and Jude Bellingham are among the favourites for the men’s award, while Aitana Bonmati, Caroline Graham Hansen and Kadidiatou Diani are set to compete for the women’s prize.
It’s the first time since 2003 that neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo have been nominated for the men’s award, with the trophy set to be claimed for by another player for only the third time since 2008.
Former Barcelona star Alba, who now plays his club football alongside Messi at Inter Miami, is astonished the eight-time winner has not been nominated.
“I have never given much importance to the Ballon d’Or, but for me Leo always has to be there,” Alba said.
“He continues to make a difference, he is the best in the world without a doubt when being at the highest level.”
Inter Miami head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino has echoed Alba’s comments, insisting Messi remains the greatest player in world football.
But Martino also gave his selection for this year’s Ballon d’Or winner, backing Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr to claim the award for the first time.
“It [the Ballon d’Or] has never been something that caught my attention, nor was it clear to me whether the award is for the best in the world or of the year,” Martino said.
“Vinicius Jr probably has the merit [of being the best last season], although if you ask me who is the best right now, it’s Messi.”
Messi, 37, is among the finalists for Major League Soccer’s MVP award for this season.
He is the current favourite to win the prize, having scored 20 goals and provided 16 assists in just 19 games this season for Miami – who topped the MLS table after the regular season with a record points haul.
Miami next face Atalanta United in the first match of a best-of-three clash in the opening round of the post-season schedule.