Former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher predicted that Barcelona forward Lionel Messi will win the Ballon d’Or, despite strong contention from Virgil van Dijk.

The experts have the Dutchman ahead of Messi in the race for the Ballon d’Or after his spectacular individual season earned Liverpool a Champions League trophy.

But Carragher feels the Argentine will walk away with his sixth title.

“I saw he’s gone ahead of Messi (in the running),” he told Sky Sports.

“I’d be thinking Messi to be honest – very rarely you see a centre-back get that.

“I think that Cannavaro got it on the back of winning the World Cup in 2006. I don’t think his game has changed too much over the season.

“He’s obviously had a great season but I think you’ve got to win big things and I think that Champions League has put that stamp on him being one of the world’s best.”

The 41-year-old admitted that Van Dijk has proven himself as a world class player but is not favourite for the prestigious individual trophy.

“I think when you win something big, that’s when you really cement yourself at that level and I think he is the best in the world in that position. He’s proven himself.

“But, Ballon d’Or, I think Messi.”