Lionel Messi reclaimed the FIFA Ballon d'Or title earlier this year after Cristiano Ronaldo had won it for two years running, and the Argentine has now commented on whether the Portuguese deserved his Golden Balls.
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The Blaugrana star has lifted the prestigious accolade five times, while his longstanding rival has won the Ballon d'Or three times.
Some fans and experts have suggested that Ronaldo did not deserve his Ballon d'Or in 2014, but Messi has insisted the Los Blancos star earned his titles.
"When Cristiano won his Ballons d'Or, he deserved them," he told Egyptian television station MBC.
"They are decided on by managers, players, journalists and FIFA, making the winner a deserved one.
"He had earned his award every single time he has won it."
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Ronaldo won his first Ballon d'Or in 2008, before Messi claimed the Golden Ball in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. The Portuguese then lifted the award in 2013 and 2014, with his counterpart being crowned the 2015 FIFA World Player of the Year in January.
Do you think Messi and Ronaldo will again battle for the Ballon d'Or in 2016, or can someone else potentially upset the two superstars?
