Messi will be back for more: Iniesta

Teammate predicts 5th consecutive Ballon d’Or for the Argentine.

ZURICH: Spain’s Andres Iniesta shrugged off the disappointment of failing to dislodge favourite Lionel Messi as the Argentine won a record fourth Ballon d’Or at a Fifa gala on Monday by predicting his Barcelona teammate would be back for more next year.

Messi easily saw off Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo and Iniesta for the prize — and Iniesta said he would surely win again.

“Leo, if he continues in this vein, won’t let a fifth straight Ballon d’Or title slip,” said the Barcelona midfielder. “I congratulate him on a fourth which makes him unique. It’s not a question of sharing it out with others just because somebody has won a lot — you have to savour a job well done and that’s what we are doing.”

There were also words of praise for the Argentine superstar from compatriot and Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero, who hailed Messi as the best player of the world.



“The Ballon d’Or was always going to go to Leo because of all that he has done for Barcelona and even the Argentinean national team,” Aguero told ESPN. “He completely deserves it.”

Marcelo sends Ronaldo condolences

Meanwhile, Real Madrid defender Marcelo supported Ronaldo, after he missed out on the prestigious award.

“Ronaldo was not able to win the Ballon d’Or but we know he is a fantastic player and capable of anything,” Marcelo told the Madrid website. “He helps us a lot and I wanted him to win the prize. I am sure he will bring us a lot of joy.”

Madrid captain Iker Casillas also offered similar words of encouragement for the former Manchester United man.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 9^th, 2013.