Balotelli: I'll be the best in the world only if Messi plays worse than he does now © EuroFootball.com

The striker Mario Balotelli is convinced that in the future he will be recognized as the best footballer in the world.

However, the Italian national team member admits that much will depend on the form of the leader Lionel Messi.

"I can win the 'Golden Ball,' but only if Messi's performance curve drops a little," Balotelli told "Gazzetta dello Sport." - Otherwise, it will be very difficult.

And he added: "I won't be able to do much if Messi keeps playing like this."

Messi has been recognized as the best for the third consecutive year. Meanwhile, Balotelli scored nine goals in 15 matches in the English Premier League this season.