The Ballon d’Or went to the correct person, according to Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso.

Lionel Messi received the award as the winner of the Ballon d'Or 2009 and entered his name into history books for being the first Argentinean to receive it and for the record amount of points he received.

Alonoso however believes that two of his nominated Spanish compatriots from Barcelona would have been worthy winners as well.

He reportedly told AS that, "Giving him (Messi) the award is not wrong because Messi deserved it, but it is also true that there were other candidates who could have won it."

Alonso was reportedly glad that Xavi's contributions were recognized when he came in third in the Ballon d'Or poll.

"There were many other options for a [Ballon d'Or] winner like Xavi or Iniesta. Anyway I'm glad because he [Xavi] was third in the voting," he summed up.