Barcelona star and winner of the 2019 Ballin d’Pr, Lionel Messi, has said that he understand the frustration that kept his rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, away from venue of the finale on Monday.
In an interview with ‘France Football’, he said he too felt the same way when Ronaldo won the trophy and made it five times as him.
He said:
“On the one hand, I enjoyed having five and being the only one. 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.”
Ronaldo also emerged winner of the Series A Player of the Year on Monday.
