May 14, 2026

FIFA Ballon D’Or Shortlist: Suarez Should Be There, Not Ronaldo – Messi

By Farouk Mohammed

Neymar-Messi-Ronaldo

Four-time FIFA Ballon D’Or winner and 2015 finalist, Lionel Messi has said he would have preferred to have his teammate, Luis Suarez, join him and Neymar on the podium when the award is handed out in January, instead of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Recall that the world football governing body, FIFA, had on Monday announced a final shortlist of three for this year’s Ballon D’Or prize, with Messi, Neymar and Ronaldo getting the nod.

While receiving an award for Best Player in the 2014/2015 La Liga season on Monday, Messi said: “I’d have liked to be on Ballon d’Or podium with Ney (Neymar) and Luis (Suarez).”

However, he gave credit to his arch rival, Ronaldo, saying:  “Luis deserved it, but Cristiano also did well – we’ll have a good time [at the Fifa gala].”

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