"Messi is the favorite," Ronaldo said. "Why not him? If he wins it, it will be well deserved."
Six players from Champions League and the Spanish league winners Barcelona are in the competition for the Golden Ball award, the list of candidates was published last week and included Messi, Xavi Hernandez, Thierry Henry, Andres Iniesta, Yaya Toure and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Ronaldo is also among the selected and the winner will be declared on December 1.
"The favorite is a player from Barcelona," Ronaldo stated. "To win a trophy like this, you need to have won collective trophies, a league title, the Champions League. That's why many players from Barcelona could win it."
Golden Ball winner is picked out by an yearly poll of soccer journalists collected by the magazine and is reserved for players in Europe.
Ronaldo hints Messi for Golden Ball award.
Who is your pick for the Golden Ball?
