Luka Modric winning the Ballon d’or ahead of Lionel Messi an ‘absurdity’, says Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde
Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde claims it was an ‘absurdity’ Lionel Messi finished fifth in this year’s voting for the Ballon d’Or.Five-time winner Messi was out of the top three for the first time since 2006 as Croatia and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric took top honours.Messi was outside of the top three for the Ballon d’Or since 20062
Messi was outside of the top three for the Ballon d’Or since 2006
Asked about Messi’s lowly placing ahead of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey last-32 second-leg clash at home to Cultural Leonesa on Wednesday, Valverde told www.marca.com: “I will not enter into discussions about the value of a prize or not.“We congratulate Modric for the Ballon d’Or, but Messi in fifth place is an absurdity.”Messi is set to be among a number of star names rested at the Camp Nou as Barcelona look to progress, having edged a 1-0 success in the first leg.“It is good to point out that these games are difficult because you have things to lose,” Valverde added.Valverde backed his captain after the result2
Valverde backed his captain after the result
“It’s a meaningful match for Cultural, but they have dropped off a bit in their league.“These are difficult games, but we hope to give our supporters a victory.”

Lionel Messi deserved more than fifth in Ballon d'Or - Ernesto Valverde Barcelona are set to show a number of changes for the Copa del Rey visit of Cultural Leonesa.
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