Argentina international Messi is up against Barca team-mate Xavi Hernandez and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo for the annual FIFA award, and the 20-year-old feels the South American deserves the title.

"Leo Messi deserves the Ballon d'Or ahead of Xavi and Cristiano Ronaldo. It's a pleasure playing alongside him," the Spain international said.

"He is capable of doing anything he wants with a ball. I have never seen a player like him with completely unique characteristics.
"He has made history and continues doing so. He makes playing a lot easier because of who he is and because of the way he plays."
Thiago has made big strides under Barca coach Pep Guardiola, and is eager to progress further as a player during the next 12 months.

"In 2012 I want to continue working, learning from my peers, and continue the work of recent years," he said.

"In all my dreams I had never imagined or hoped that the year would end in the way that it did for me individually.

"As for the team we always hoped that with the great squad and the great team that we have that we would be able to win things. And we have done that this year.

"For me personally it really has been a great year speaking professionally but also with regards to my family. We have all been in good health with everything being really good."

Barcelona have been drawn against Osasuna in the Copa del Rey last 16, with the first leg to take place on Wednesday, and Thiago feels his side are in the right physical condition to get a victory.

"We are alright, have no problems, and we are perfectly in order to play against Osasuna," he said.