LIONEL MESSI claimed it is “a shame” that Sadio Mane finished fourth in the 2019 Ballon d’Or rankings.
The Argentine ace, who voted for the Liverpool ace to win FIFA’s Best award, picked up the award for a record sixth time.
Barcelona star Lionel Messi won a record sixth crown at the gala in ParisCredit: Getty – Contributor
Mane, 27, enjoyed a sensational season as Liverpool won the Champions League and finished second in the Premier League.
This year’s Ballon d’Or judges have been accused of racism after Mane finished fourth.
Messi received 686 points, Virgil van Dijk got 679 points, Cristiano Ronaldo racked up 476 points but Mane managed just 347 points.
The Barcelona superstar, 32, has admitted he would have liked to have seen Mane finish higher up the rankings.
He told Canal+: “It’s a shame to see Mane finish in fourth place.
“But I think there have been a lot of great players this year.
“That’s why it was difficult to choose a particular player.
Sadio Mane has scored 11 goals for Liverpool this seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor
“But I chose Sadio Mane because he’s a player that I like.
“Mane achieved a great year that was exceptional for the entire Liverpool team. That’s why I chose him.
“I repeat, there were a lot of very great players this year, so the choice was difficult.”
Humble Sadio Mane help worker carry water bottles from Senegal team coach
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
