Messi’s fifth place in Ballon d’Or ‘absurd’, declares Barca boss (Guardian)

Lionel Messi finishing fifth in this year’s Ballon d’Or vote was “absurd”, says Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde.

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric won the prize, awarded by France Football and voted for by 180 journalists.

Barcelona and Argentina forward Messi, 31, finished outside the top three for the first time since 2006, having won the award five times.

“We congratulate Modric for winning the Ballon d’Or but Messi being in fifth place is absurd,” said Valverde.

“I will not get into discussing the inconsistencies of the prize.” Read more