Neymar; I'd love to be on Ballon d'Or podium with Messi and Ronaldo

Neymar has spoken of his hopes of being on the Ballon d'Or podium with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

In an interview with Globo TV at his own institute in Brazil, the striker said: "Just to be one of the three finalists would be a great achievement, it would be a dream that I intend to go for, to be beside Messi and Cristiano would be a grand honour."

But the Barcelona No 11 had no doubts over who is the best in the world - Messi. He said: "I have great admiration for him, and now even more because we know each other and play together."

Neymar shot one back at those who said he could not play with the Argentine, that it would be two roosters fighting over who was in charge. 

"They said we would fight, that he wouldn't pass me the ball. He welcomed me in an incredible way, really well, and today it's he who has given me the most assists in my career," said Neymar. "For me, Leo is a mirror, a friend and an idol."