‘Neymar won’t win the Ballon d’Or and Messi doesn’t try’ – Boban slams

Messi and Neymar

Messi and Neymar

Former AC Milan midfielder Zvonimir Boban has criticised Barcelona stars Lionel Messi and Neymar, claiming the former only turns up when they play Real Madrid and that the Brazil star will never be one of the world’s best.

Messi came under some criticism towards the end of the season as Barcelona ended the campaign without a trophy while Neymar managed 13 goals and picked up 11 assists in 36 league and Champions League appearances.

And Boban, who won four Serie A titles and a Champions League with Milan, feels Neymar will never be as good as some of the world’s elite players.

“Can Neymar win Golden Ball award? Not likely! He is not that good, not that powerful,” Boban told Sportske novosti.

“He is amazing talent but currently is far from being top class. He will never be Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic, Iniesta, and specially Messi.”

Boban also said that Messi is the best in the world, but feels the Argentine doesn’t always give his all.

“Someone should tell him the truth about himself, Messi should face Messi. He is absolutely unprepared, unfit and demotivated the whole time, except against Real Madrid, where he played with 30 per cent of his capabilities and showed how superior he is.

“When he is fresh and if he prepares himself and wins back enthusiasm to enjoy football, he can be the best. What he has to be!

“Argentina has a middle of the range defence and midfield but up front Aguero and Higuain will open a lot of space for Leo and they can go far.”{GOAL}