Lionel Messi has no complaints about the latest recipient of the FIFA Ballon d’Or award, as Cristiano Ronaldo was crowned for a second time.
Ronaldo has been left frustrated in recent years, as Messi has been hailed the best player on the planet in each of the past four years. This term, though, the Real Madrid forward was hot favourite to win the award he last won during his Manchester United days back in 2008, and he did so with 160 more votes than his Argentine rival.
The Portugal international scored a staggering 69 goals in 59 matches during 2013, and bagged all four goals to ensure his country qualified for the World Cup Finals at the expense of Sweden. As disappointed as he was to miss out on a fifth successive honour, Messi admitted he had no complaints about Ronaldo pipping him.
“I want to congratulate Cristiano Ronaldo because he was the winner and deservedly so,” said the Barcelona forward, who finished ahead of Bayern Munich’s France international star Franck Ribery. “I think it was a good year for the three of us and that’s why we were there. I have nothing to complain about or make any excuses.”
After picking up the award, an emotional Ronaldo, 28, said: “I have no words to describe this moment. Thanks to all of my team-mates at Real Madrid and the national team. Without all of their efforts this would not have been possible. I am very happy. It is very difficult to win this award. It is a tremendously emotional moment.”
