Lionel Messi offers his view on fifth-place Ballon d’Or finish

Lionel Messi has been talking about his fifth-placed finish at the 2018 Ballon d’Or and says he knew he would not be in the running for the main prize.

The GOAT was not even shortlisted for the award which Luka Modric won, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Antoine Griezmann.

Kylian Mbappe also finished above Messi, but the Barcelona captain says family is top priority.

“I love football, but family is above everything,” he said.

”The rivalry with Cristiano was very healthy and very beautiful for the spectators.

”I heard the nominees for the Ballon d’Or and I knew I would not be in the fight.”

Source | Marca

Messi has gone on to make the Ballon d’Or decision look pretty silly with some incredible performances against Espanyol, Levante and Celta Vigo.

He picked up a record fifth Golden Shoe last week and ends 2018 as Liga’s top scorer so far this season with 15 goals and 10 assists.