Hristo Stoichkov: 'Messi No Longer Competes with Anyone, He Is a Myth'

Barcelona legend Hristo Stoichkov has given his full backing to Lionel Messi ahead of the 2015 Ballon d'Or awards ceremony in Zurich, Switzerland, on Monday.

Stoichkov was a twice a runner-up in the award that preceded the Ballon d'Or, losing out to Marco van Basten in 1992 and Romario in 1994, but he says Messi has no rivals for the title of best footballer in the world.

Stoichkov told Barca TV (via Goal): 

"

Messi no longer competes with anyone, he is a myth.

No one can doubt that Messi should win the Ballon d'Or. I think it's impossible that someone can overcome him. 

I doubt there will be another player like Messi.

"

Messi has won the award four times before, claiming it in successive years between 2009 and 2012. He will compete with long-term rival Cristiano Ronaldo and Barca team-mate Neymar for the 2015 title.

[h/t Goal]