Real Madrid boss, Carlo Ancelotti, has insisted that the 2021 Ballon d’ Or result deserves credit as Paris Saint-Germain’s Lionel Messi wins this year’s top individual award.
Ancelotti spoke to the press on Tuesday ahead of Real Madrid’s LaLiga clash with Athletic Club on Wednesday.
thedabigal reports that France Football, organizers of the Ballon d’Or, named Messi as the winner of this year’s award on Monday night in Paris ahead of Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski and Chelsea’s Jorginho.
Messi’s victory sparked a rife debate but Ancelotti feels that the result must be given respect.
The Italian also wished for a Real Madrid winner in next year’s edition.
“You have to give credit to the result [of Ballon d’Or 2021]. Messi has won and is still a great player. And there’s nothing more to add,” he said.
“For the players, individual awards are important, but if they don’t win it, it’s not an issue.
“Hopefully, next year, a Real Madrid player will win it. Benzema had a great season and finished fourth. He will continue with the motivation to try to be first.”