Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi
was crowned the first-ever player to win six Ballon d’Or trophy at a ceremony
which took place in Paris on Monday night (Dec,2).
Before the event, Messi and his
arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo who both dominated the Ballon d’Or for a decade
between 2008 and 2017, were on five each before the Barcelona superstar broke
the tie yesterday.
In a new interview, Messi
revealed that he was hurt when Cristiano Ronaldo joined him on five Ballon d’Or
triumphs, claiming that the Portuguese will be experiencing similar emotions
after he failed to show up at the 2019 Ballon d'Or' ceremony.
“On the one hand, I enjoyed
having five and being the only one,” Messi told France Football. 'When
Cristiano moved level, I admit that it hurt me a bit. I was no longer alone at
the top. But it made sense, although it was good when I was alone at five.
“Was I frustrated in the last few
years? Let's say I understood why I did not win. As a team, we had not achieved
our major goal, which was to win the Champions League, which gives you more
chances to win the Ballon d'Or.
“When Cristiano Ronaldo won it is
because he had achieved great seasons by winning the Champions League and being
decisive. It was deserved, there was not much I could do.
“Did I feel injustice? It's up to
you to tell me if the Ballon d'Or is awarded to the best player or the one who
enjoys the best season.
“It is also down to individual
taste. Some prefer Cristiano, others myself or Neymar or [Kylian] Mbappe.
People have the right to choose the one they like most.”
“Do I understand Ronaldo's
frustration? It is something that we live, feel and express according to our
own way of being.
“Once again, the collective
titles are the most important thing, even if the individual trophies are
rewarding. When the Ballon d'Or eludes you, everyone reacts in their own way.
But when you are a top athlete, you always want to win.”
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