Daniel Alves has said that Lionel Messi's hat-trick at the weekend proved that he is a worthy winner of the Ballon d'Or. Many have questioned Messi's victory, but the Argie put the controversy aside to fire home a treble in Barca's Copa thrashing of Real Betis.

"With today's match Messi has settled any debate or controversy," declared Barca fullback Alves.

"Anyone who has won the Ballon d'Or deserves it, but Leo is better than others."

Alves played down his first-half clash with Gerard Pique.

Alves might be joined by some new faces at the Camp Nou in January, with Anderson and Theo Walcott both tipped to move to las Ramblas soon.