Ballon d´Or no surprise for humble Messi

Barcelona star Lionel Messi admits that winning the 2011 FIFA Ballon d’Or did not come as much of a surprise to him as his previous awards.

The Argentina international beat Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and team-mate Xavi to claim the award for the third time in succession.

Messi said that lifting the trophy was just as emotional as the first time he won it.

“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,” Messi said in an interview with France Football.

“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.”

“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.”

Messi refuted claims that he is calling the shots at Camp Nou rather than coach Pep Guardiola.

“This is absolute nonsense and a complete lack of respect towards Guardiola. He has won everything and is fundamental to Barcelona’s success. I am just a player like everybody else. Guardiola is the one who makes the decisions. I don’t have any influence,” he said.

The 24-year-old said that he would not mind missing out on the FIFA Ballon d’Or in the next two years for a shot at glory with the national team in 2014.

“Winning the Ballon d’Or again in 2014 would be the ultimate reward, because that would mean that Argentina are world champions. I would happily miss out on the award in the next two years,” he said.