Messi, Neymar wanted Suarez in Ballon d'Or final nominee list

Reaction comes after the Catalan duo was named in the final three with Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Neymar believe the third head of Barcelona attacking trio should have been the part of the final three nominees on the Ballon d’Or list.

Messi and Neymar have joined the current Ballon d’Or holder Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored more goals than the trio of Messi-Suarez-Neymar (MSN).

"I'd have liked to be on [the] Ballon d'Or podium with Neymar and Luis,” said Messi, having picked up the awards for La Liga’s best player and best forward of the year.

"Luis deserved it, but Cristiano also did well. We'll have a good time."



Barcelona and Brazil star Neymar also come out in the support of the Uruguay International, who narrowly missed out in the final nomination for the Ballon d’or.

Neymar, who took the gong for the best American player in La Liga, added: "Being nominated for Ballon d'Or means a lot.

"Suarez should have been there too, but Messi is favourite, he's the number one for me."

He also went on to reveal the secret behind MSN success, which he termed is ‘friendship and modesty’.



"Secret of MSN (success)? Friendship and modesty,” added Neymar.

“Leo and Luis are great friends.

“I hope to play with them for a long time.

“There are no egos,” concluded Barcelona striker.

The article originally appeared on The Independent