Luis Enrique Ignores Cristiano Ronaldo, Picks Lionel Messi for 2015 Ballon d'Or

In a move that will surprise no one, Barcelona manager Luis Enrique ignored Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo in favour of picking his own superstar Lionel Messi to win the 2015 Ballon d'Or.

According to AS, he believes there is "no doubt" the Argentinian will wrestle the award away from Ronaldo, who has won it the last two years running. He said: "I don’t know how this year compares to others, but I think there’s no doubt. At least, I have no doubts, but that’s just my opinion and I respect that of others."

Per the report, Enrique was probed on who should win the Ballon d'Or "between a player who scores 500 goals and one who scores in 20 of 23 finals" he quipped. "I’m having a lapse, I don’t know who you’re talking about."

The pair are just two of 59 nominees for the coveted prize, but while there are many players having an outstanding year it's all-but inevitable they will contest the top two spots.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Messi has racked up a phenomenal 45 goals and 24 assists from 53 appearances for club and country this calendar year, while Ronaldo has tallied 42 goals and 11 assists in 12 fewer showings.

Having helped Barcelona to an incredible La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey treble and Argentina to a Copa America final, the 28-year-old is perhaps more likely to win his fifth Ballon d'Or in 2015 than Ronaldo is his third.

However, with Messi set to miss up to two months with a knee ligament injury, it's possible that Ronaldo—who won the European Golden Shoe and the Pichichi for his exploits last season—might be able to steal a march on his rival if he can continue his phenomenal scoring run as memories are often short in football.

Given his majestic form and almost unparalleled success with the Blaugrana last season, though, it will still more than likely go to Messi this year. Enrique's comments are already stoking the fire ahead of November's Clasico, so expect fireworks when Los Blancos take on a Messi-less Barca at the Bernabeu.