Former Ajax and Netherlands coach Marco van Basten has stated his belief that Barcelona star Lionel Messi is the best player in the world. Van Basten is impressed with the Argentina international's performances for the Champions League hopefuls and his hunger for success, and feels Messi is a born leader. "There is no doubt about it, [Messi]'s clearly the best player in the world. He's a phenomenon who has already won everything, but is still hungry for more. His humbleness only makes him greater," Van Basten said to El Mundo Deportivo. "He can become even more influential though. He is a born leader and should impose himself like Diego Maradona did. I'm not only talking about Barcelona, but also about Argentina. Leo should lead the way and the others should follow him. "I think that he will win the Fifa Ballon d'Or again. Not only does he have a lot of quality, but he has also won La Liga, the Champions League, the Spanish Supercup, and has been a key figure all season." Messi has previously won the Ballon d'Or in 2009 and 2010 and could become only the second player in history to win the prestigious award three times in a row after Michel Platini.