Del Bosque: World Cup pride

Spain Coach Vicente Del Bosque feels ‘pride’ when hearing how Lionel Messi would trade his five Ballon d’Or awards to win the World Cup.

Messi received his record fifth prize on Monday but spoke after of how he would value success with Argentina even more than the individual recognition, striking a chord with the 2010-winning trainer.

“When I read Messi would rather be a world champion than five Ballon d’Or awards, I was filled with pride,” he told Radio Marca.

“I’m surprised no Atletico Madrid player made the [FIFPro] best XI.”

Del Bosque was also asked about former club Real Madrid, who recently sacked Rafa Benitez for Zinedine Zidane.

“I’d be committing a grave error if I had a say about the internal matters of a club,” he replied.

“A friend of mine from Madrid who follows the club said Coaches always arrive with headlines and when they leave they’re on the events page, and sometimes not even that.

“In a locker room with a lot of stars you have to act normally. You shouldn’t be too smart or you look like a fool.

“But I have never, ever met a squad that has gone against a Coach.”

Tags Ballon d'Or Lionel Messi Spain Vicente Del Bosque
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