Lionel Messi Ballon d'OrGetty Images

Messi: Ballon d'Or is no longer a priority after five wins

Barcelona star Lionel Messi had admitted that, after winning the Ballon d'Or five times, he no longer sees individual prizes as a priority. 

Messi became the first player in history to win the prestigious award on five occasions with his victory in 2015. 

Cristiano Ronaldo, however, could reach that mark this year if he sees off his eternal rival after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid. 

Article continues below

But the Argentine recognises that the fight for the Ballon d'Or has lost some of its gloss after so much success. 

"In truth, I am far more interested in team titles," he explained during Wednesday's interview with TyC Sports

"It was a beautiful feeling to win all that I have won, above all the first few times. Once that had happened I started to give even less priority to the individual prizes. 

"I would love to keep achieving things with the guys, above all Champions League and Ligas, to win things with the national team as we got so close and it wasn't to be, that has always been my priority."

Looks Messi Ballon D'or 2014 Dolce & GabbanaOLIVIER MORIN/AFP/Getty Images

No stranger to picking up awards, Messi has also gained attention in the past for his outlandish outfits at gala events. 

In recent prizegiving ceremonies, however, he has struck a more sombre look on the red carpet. 

"I had a phase there with some 'different' suits," he laughed. 

"I always used to go in black then I started to try some things, and then everyone was waiting for it, 'what's he going to wear?!' So I kept it up a few more years and now everything is back to normal!"

Messi and Ronaldo will find out who is crowned 2017's Ballon d'Or winner on Thursday in a ceremony which will be hosted in France.

Advertisement