5 things Lionel Messi has said about the Ballon d’Or over the years

Lionel Messi won his debut Ballon d'Or in 2009. Little did we know then that his name would become synonymous with the most coveted individual award in world football. The Argentine maestro has managed to get himself on the podium for a straight decade since 2007, and he's often been victorious as well.

Although the virus stalled football and the Ballon d'Or last year, Lionel Messi won it for the sixth time in 2019. The star has rejoined the podium this year thanks to his brilliant exploits for Barcelona and Argentina. He looks set to secure a seventh trophy.

Lionel Messi's record-breaking sixth Ballon d'Or award was an unprecedented feat. If the maestro wins this year's coveted race as well, it would be a record-extending seventh. While there are reports often circulating about his success, many are unconfirmed and shouldn't be taken to heart. Yet, there is no doubt that the diminutive magician would deserve it if he won it eventually.

Without further ado, let's take a look at five things Lionel Messi has said about the Ballon d'Or over the years:

#5 Messi on the Ballon d'Or 2010

In 2010, Lionel Messi received his second Ballon d'Or award. The star made it clear that he was sharing the award with people who had supported him and helped him along the way. He said:

"I appreciate their support and I want to share with them the Ballon d’Or award. It’s good to know that there are people who help and support me in any way."

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The Ballon d'Or was also presented to him in front of Barcelona fans at Camp Nou. Messi believed it was a prize for everyone. He added:

"It was a beautiful moment. I was pleased to enjoy it with Xavi and Andres together along with the whole group. I think the public understood the message that the Ballon d’Or was a prize for everybody."

#4 Messi on Ballon d'Or 2011

In 2011, Lionel Messi won the coveted award for the third time in a row. He beat both teammate Xavi Hernandez and Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo to the award. However, the Ballon d'Or win didn't surprise Messi this time as he knew he had a good chance of winning. He said:

"Obviously, it was not as much of a surprise like last year that I won. I knew that I had a good chance to win the award and was very relaxed. I am very pleased and proud of my victory, just like the first two times I won. This is now the third time that I've won, and I still get emotional. The Ballon d'Or is a very prestigious trophy that all players want to win."

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Messi's surprise, however, was the big gap between first and second place. He further added:

"I was a bit surprised with the big gap between me and the number two. Cristiano Ronaldo and Xavi would have been worthy winners as well."

#3 Messi on Ballon d'Or 2015

Although Lionel Messi won the Ballon d'Or in 2015, the star made it clear that he'd rather win a World Cup with Argentina. Back in 2014, Argentina had fought their way to the final of the most prestigious worldwide tournament. However, they eventually fell second to Germany's might. Messi would later win his fifth Ballon d'Or, but his stance was clear. He stated:

"I would prefer to win a World Cup rather than five Ballons d'Or if I had to choose. I have always said that I prefer team achievements and the World Cup is the biggest trophy out there."

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The star noted that he was proud of Barcelona's wins as well:

"Last year, thankfully, we managed to reach all of our goals. It’s hard to single out one moment, my year was full of happiness. We had very special moments throughout the year. I feel proud of everything I have achieved at club level and of all the titles and so forth. It is always harder to win again after you have achieved something big before."

#2 Messi on Ballon d'Or 2019

Real Madrid's dominance across Europe ensured that Cristiano Ronaldo would win back-to-back Ballon d'Ors. He managed to draw level with Messi's record of five awards. Although he picked up his sixth in 2019, Lionel Messi admitted that missing out on the award twice was a blow. He said:

"On the one hand, I enjoyed being the only player to have won five. When Cristiano equalled me, I have to admit it was a bit painful as I was no longer alone on the summit. But at that moment he deserved to win the Ballon d’Or and there wasn’t much more I could have done.”

However, he agreed with both of Ronaldo's wins. He added:

“I understand why I didn’t win. We didn’t achieve our objective of winning the Champions League and that is the competition that gives you the best chance of winning the Ballon d’Or. When Cristiano was winning all the trophies it was because he was putting in very good seasons and winning the Champions League, as well as being decisive in that competition.”

#1 Messi on Ballon d'Or 2021

Manchester City v Paris Saint-Germain: Group A - UEFA Champions League

This season has been tough on Lionel Messi, especially with having to adapt to life in Paris Saint-Germain. He's won a major tournament with Argentina in the form of Copa America. But the star isn't sure about his chances this time around. He said:

"If I'm honest, I don't think so [he can win it]. My biggest prize was what I was able to achieve with the national team. After having fought and fought so much for that achievement, it was the best for all it cost."

He added:

"If the golden ball arrives it would be extraordinary for what it would mean winning one more. The seventh would be crazy. If not, nothing happens. I have already achieved one of my great goals. I am very happy for what happened and now that whatever has to happen, happens."

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If Messi does win this time, it would be the seventh Ballon d'Or title, an unlikely bar for any player to ever reach again.

Edited by Aditya Singh