“His record is going to be very difficult to match. He is someone who embodies the Ballon d'Or well because he combines individual and collective performances, but also a certain idea of spectacle and longevity.”
“In 2019 he [Messi] told me that he had forgotten the feeling of excitement that came from winning the Ballon d’Or, he had realized that he missed it. When I called to tell him he won in 2021 it was like I was talking to a child.”
![“In 2019 he [Messi] told me that he had forgotten the feeling of excitement that came from winning t...](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FfB28y3X0AESHO5.jpg)
“Cristiano has not digested it well the fact he is behind his great rival. It is a very important award for them. The Ballon d'Or is one of the few things that cannot be bought. That makes them humble in the face of this type of reward, it makes them act like children.”
“There is a lot of talk about the Mbappé and Haaland rivalry, but neither of them have won the Champions League. At Mbappé’s age, Messi already had 2 Ballon d’Or. They have to start winning big trophies now if they want a similar rivalry. Messi and Ronaldo didn't take so long.”
“I am aware that the Ballon d'Or is not without controversy because everyone has their favorites, but when I review the list of winners, I believe that there is no one who has won dishonorably.”
“Clearly some names are missing. In my opinion there are three: Lewandowski, Xavi, and Iniesta. For me it is a big scar, because Xavi and Iniesta are two players that I place very highly and that embody football. But in 2010 they had Messi in front of them.”
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