Manchester City star Sergio Aguero has revealed Lionel Messi as his personal pick for the Ballon d'Or 'as long as he keeps playing', as he clarified previous comments that appeared to suggest that this year's winner should come from Liverpool or Tottenham.
The 30-year-old, who picked up his second consecutive Premier League title last weekend, was reported to have backed a Champions League finalist for football's top individual prize, with several outlets reporting the words as either an endorsement of a Liverpool or Spurs player or a snub to Lionel Messi.
The City striker was quoted as saying: "I think that to win the Ballon d'Or [you] have to be in the Champions League [final] no matter what."
I don't enjoy having to clarify my statements – but when I'm quoted for things I haven't said, it must be done. I'll spell it out then. No one other than Messi will be my pick for the Balon d'Or as long as he keeps on playing – particularly if he plays like he did this season.
— Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) May 14, 2019
“I do not like having to go out and clarify but when words are attributed to me that I never said, I have to do it,” Aguero wrote.
“To be clear, and I always answered the same, while Messi continues to play, and especially how he has played this season, he deserves to win the Ballon d’Or.”
While both Messi and Ronaldo missed out last year, a Champions League winner has taken home the award for each of the last five years. Ronaldo
Aguero's side were eliminated from the competition by Spurs at the quarter-final stage and, despite winning the Premier League
Source: 90min