Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or win questioned again? Man City star Rodri slams award for prioritising ‘marketing, money and advertising’ after missing out on top three

Inter Miami talisman Lionel Messi won a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or last October, edging out City striker Erling Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe. Rodri, who came fifth behind team-mate Kevin De Bruyne, appeared to question the validity of the award - saying much of it is down to "marketing".

On not making the top three list, the Spanish international said in an interview with The Mirror: "I am not surprised. This is normal. I understand very well how things work in these individual awards. They are based on marketing, money and advertising. There have been midfielders before who were also Spanish who did not get what they deserved. Do you understand what I mean? (Laughs). What ultimately matters to me in football is what I achieved collectively."

As Rodri said, winning trophies and doing your best for your team matters more than picking up an individual accolade such as this. City won the treble last season and are on course for another successful campaign this time out.

City, who are still in the Champions League, FA Cup and Premier League title race, next face Copenhagen in the last 16 of the prestigious European tournament on Tuesday night. They then host mid-table Chelsea on Saturday in the league.