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Legend Paolo Maldini insists that Lionel Messi should be recognized as the best footballer on the planet every year.
In an interview with the newspaper "L'Equipe" a few years ago, the retired Italian also singled out Barcelona player Gerard Pique.
"When I see Messi on the field, in my opinion, there is nothing else left but to award him the Golden Ball every year. Leo is an incredible footballer," Maldini stated.
"I also really like Pique, because he is a player of very high class. He knows how to defend and how to score. Together with Carles Puyol, they form the perfect duo."
Asked about his former team AC Milan's chances this season, Maldini said: "It is a team that can compete in the Italian championship for top positions. However, I think they are missing something in the Champions League. We saw that in the match against Real in Milan."
"It would be very difficult for Milan if fate paired them in the knockout stages with Barcelona or Chelsea."
