You win a Ballon d'Or on the pitch, not in an advert, says Messi's father

14/06/2012 8:27:00 PM

The Argentine's parent believes that speculating over potential winners of the accolade is pointless, and performances on the field will separate the best from the rest

Lionel Messi's father believes that a player wins the Fifa Ballon d'Or by putting in good performances on the pitch, rather than by appearing in advertisements.

The Barcelona forward has won the last three editions of the award, pipping Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo to the prize on two of those occasions.

And Jorge Messi believes that his son was a worthy winner due to his attitude on the pitch, and that discussing potential winners of the accolade in the press is detrimental.

"He [Messi] has the winning mentality, and that will not change. He was in a bad way after Barca were eliminated [from the Champions League] against Chelsea, but he learned from that defeat," Jorge told RAC1.

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"Comparisons [between Messi and Ronaldo] look bad, and certain people discussing it in the press is bad because it has a negative affect.

"You don't win the Ballon d'Or for advertising, but for what is done on the pitch. Whoever deserves it will win it, whether it's Leo, Cristiano, or anyone else."

After winning the Champions League and Premier League titles with Manchester United, Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or in 2008.