Sandro Rosell has reflected on the achievement of Lionel Messi, after the Argentine picked up a fourth successive Ballon d’Or this week.
The 25-year-old was named the world’s best player for a fourth consecutive season at FIFA’s Ballon d’Or gala on Monday night, edging him ahead as the footballer to have received the award the most times in history.
“There will never be anyone else like Messi. I was very happy,” enthused his club President Rosell to Catalunya Radio today.
“Not only is he a great player but also a great person, who understands the values of La Masia, understands what it is being a Barcelona player and what it means to live in Catalonia.
“Behind the great player, there is also the spirit of a naughty child, always wanting more. In the future they will really value his achievement. I think he will be in the running for a fifth trophy too.
“His suit? Messi is quiet and never wants to excel, but in that suit… There were jokes on the plane, we laughed a lot.”
The evening also saw Andres Iniesta third in the Player of the Year award, Pep Guardiola finish third in the poll for Coach of the Year, and five Barca players named in the FIFA FIFPro World XI.
“It’s amazing the respect everyone shows for Barca and Messi. Hopefully this lasts for many years. You need to only travel to world to see the shirts worn by the children on the street.
“One of the greatnesses of the club is the people that are here.”
The President was also taken to task over the situation surrounding Victor Valdes’ future. The goalkeeper hinted recently that he may leave the Camp Nou.
“He is the best ‘keeper we have and one of the captains. He also wants to end his career with Barca. What happens is that Valdes has a strong personality, speaks directly and bluntly.
“The three most difficult things in the world are to be pope, to be the President of the United States and to be the Barcelona goalkeeper.”
