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.”
