Monday, January 14, 2013

Messi apologises to Ronaldo for Ballon d'Or speech

After coming in for heavy criticism Lionel Messi has admitted he regrets his Ballon d’Or speech after receiving the award for a record fourth time in as many years last week.



The Barcelona star came under-fire from some commentators after his acceptance speech snubbed long-term rival and fellow nominee Cristiano Ronaldo, while so openly and enthusiastically congratulating team-mate Andres Iniesta, who was also on the three-man shortlist.



Aside from some being angered by Messi’s omission of Ronaldo from his speech, there were also reports that several media figures were unimpressed with Messi’s behaviour in the pre-gala media conference, claiming he was disinterested and spent most of the time looking at his mobile phone.



Seeing the error of his ways, Messi has since apologised for this incident, admitting that he should have acknowledged Ronaldo.



“I am sorry about that. I didn’t say everything I wanted to," he told France Football.



"I hadn’t prepared anything and didn’t have any notes, but I didn’t want to forget anyone Especially not Tito or Abidal. I should have congratulated Cristiano, too.



"But that’s what always happens to me, the emotion overwhelms me and I lose my train of thought.”



Despite the 'snub', Ronaldo has insisted there is no bad blood between the the two players. “There is no rivalry as to who wins more. Of course we are here to win but there’s no rivalry," he said.



“I am calm about it –it’s not a matter of life and death. Life goes on. I don’t feel frustrated."

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