During his visit to Algeria, where he was invited by a mobile telephone operator for the launch of its 3G services, Diego Maradona surprised many by revealing his choice for the 2013 Ballon d’Or. Contrary to expectations, the former Argentinian star did not support his compatriot Lionel Messi, but instead endorsed the Portuguese player Cristiano Ronaldo.
Maradona explained his decision by stating, “This year, it’s Cristiano Ronaldo who deserves the Ballon d’Or. He must have it to the detriment of Messi because the latter has been injured too often.” These words may not boost the morale of Lionel Messi, who is currently sidelined due to injury until the end of the year.
Interestingly, a few weeks prior, Maradona had nominated Messi as the best player in the world in an interview with the Gazzetta dello Sport, stating, “Today, Leo is the best player in the world, ahead of Ronaldo, Neymar, and Balotelli.” He had also highlighted Messi’s unique ability to penetrate defenses, a skill he believed Ronaldo lacked.
The race for the Ballon d’Or includes Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Franck Ribery, with the winner set to be announced on January 13, 2014.
