Lionel Messi: "When Cristiano leveled me, I have to admit that it hurt me a bit. I was no longer alone at the summit"

Messi won the Ballon d'Or yesterday, becoming the only player to win the coveted trophy six times. In an interview with France Football after the ceremony, Messi admitted it ached a little when Cristiano Ronaldo equaled his previous record of five Ballon d'Or titles in 2017. He said, "On the one hand, I appreciated having 5 and being the only one to do so. When Cristiano levelled me, I have to admit that it hurt me a bit. I was no longer alone at the summit. But it was logical, even if it is nice when you are alone on 5."

Messi was also asked if he is the best player in the history of football, given that he is the only player to have won six Ballon d'Ors. He replied: "It is truly difficult to say. There have been other great players in other eras, and it is always difficult to compare them with current players, like Cristiano, like “Ney,” and Mbappé. Each person has their own preference. Honestly, I do not know if I am the best player in the history of football. I have been fortunate enough to win the Ballon D’Or once more, to be alone with 6 titles, and that makes me very happy."

Greatest of all time or not, does it really matter? Living in the Messi era is good enough, we all get to enjoy his magic on the field.