Lionel Messi has admitted that he was a bit hurt when his arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo levelled up with him on the fifth Ballon d’Or award. Messi won another Ballon d’Or trophy on Monday night (Dec, 2), making him the first-ever player to win six Ballon d’Or award.
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.
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 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.”