Lionel Messi and Neymar Comment on Luis Suarez Ballon d'Or Shortlist Omission

Barcelona superstars Lionel Messi and Neymar believe Luis Suarez should have been nominated for the Ballon d'Or with them, taking the final spot in the three-man shortlist, which would have denied Cristiano Ronaldo the chance of retaining the award.

Suarez was a major part of the Blaugrana's incredible success last term, proving to be the fulcrum of the attack as they swept to a historic treble. 

Richard Arrowsmith of MailOnline quoted the South American pair lauding their Uruguayan team-mate at the Primera Division awards on Monday—as Messi won player of the year and Neymar captured the best American player gong.

The Argentina captain said: "I'd have liked to be on [the] Ballon d'Or podium with Neymar and Luis. Luis deserved it, but Cristiano also did well. We'll have a good time."

Neymar 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."

No European side has matched the statistical return of Barca in 2015, with the trio alone scoring 125 goals over the last calendar year, per Arrowsmith. Suarez arrived from Liverpool following disciplinary issues at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil that led to a lengthy ban, but he proved manager Luis Enrique made a shrewd decision in tempting the striker from Merseyside.

The former Anfield kingpin scored 23 goals and provided 17 assists in just 37 appearances in La Liga and Europe combined last term, according to WhoScored.com, once again proving himself to be one of the great talents of world football.

Gero Breloer/Associated Press

Former team-mate Steven Gerrard recently called Suarez the "best player" he has played with and highlighted the man's character away from football, per Barcelona's official website (h/t Dan Ripley of MailOnline):

"

I don't think anyone ever looks forward to playing against Luis Suarez, he is a fantastic talent and a very dangerous player.

He is a fantastic team mate, probably the best player I have played with.

He's a good guy, a family man away from the pitch, we keep in touch and have supported each other throughout our careers.

"

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

Suarez is a player who has continually courted controversy throughout his career, but his performances have set him apart from other top strikers in Europe.

He has made Messi and Neymar more productive and helped Barca become even more deadly and efficient in the final third of the pitch. 

If the three players now repeat last season's escapades in the latter half of the campaign, Barcelona have every chance of winning the treble for a second consecutive year.