Argentine Messi is in contention to win the prestigious award for an unprecedented fourth straight year.

Platini won the prize on three consecutive occassions and says he would not feel hard done by if his record was beaten.

"Records are there to be beaten. If he (Messi) wins it again, it's because he deserves it," Platini told Ouest-France.

"He's still only 25 years old and has every opportunity to leave his mark for all eternity."

The final three candidates for the 2012 Fifa Ballon d'Or will be announced in Sao Paulo on Thursday.