Lionel Messi is not concerned with winning the Ballon d’Or this year, claiming he has always preferred to win trophies with his team.
Messi has won the last four awards in a row, beating Cristiano Ronaldo into second place for three of the past four years. Andres Iniesta was runner-up in 2010 and finished third in 2012, while Xavi Hernandez took bronze in both 2010 and 2009.
Ronaldo and Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery are Messi’s competition for the 2013 award but Messi has downplayed the prize, according to Mundo.
“It is a pleasure, an honour, to be back among the three finalists,” Messi said after scoring twice against Getafe.
“To me, the important awards are for the group, but it is very nice recognition. If you don’t win, it doesn’t matter.”
