Lionel Messi has conceded Mohamed Salah ‘will have opportunities’ to win the Ballon d’Or after he missed out on the top three this year.
The PSG attacker was awarded the prize for a record seventh time at the ceremony which took place in the French capital just last night.
Messi had a successful year at international level after he won the Copa America with his national team Argentina, his first major trophy with the country.
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Salah, however, finished seventh behind players like Lewandowski, Jorginho, Karim Benzema, N’golo Kante & Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi admitted he wasn’t sure if his seven Ballon d’Or wins would ever be beaten, but said players like Salah and Lewandowski will have their time.
“I don’t know if the record is beatable,” he said after collecting the award. “I just have to accept it but I’m not sure if it can be beaten.
“Salah will have opportunities in the years to come. Both players [Salah and Lewandowski] are at their best at the moment and will have more chances to win it.”
Messi also sent a classy message to the runner-up Lewandowski, who was the favourite to win last year’s award before it was eventually cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“I’d like to mention Robert, it’s been a real honour to compete with him,” the Argentina international added.
“I think France Football should award you your 2020 Ballon d’Or, you deserved it.”
