But 36-year-old Messi, speaking to Spanish newspaper Marca during his first press conference as an Inter Miami player, said winning team trophies such as has always been his goal.
“I think I have said it many times during my career: the Ballon d’Or is a very important award because of what it means,” Messi told Marca at his first press conference since joining Miami.
“For its recognition, it is one of the nicest awards in the world at an individual level. But I never gave importance, in quotation marks, to individual awards. The most important thing was the collective awards.
“I was lucky enough to win everything in my career, and the World Cup was what I was missing. That’s why now, after Qatar, I’m thinking much less about that award.”
Messi leads Miami into Leagues Cup final as goal streak continues
Messi has enjoyed an incredible start top life in the United States, scoring nine goals in six games for Miami, who face Nashville in the Leagues Cup final on Sunday.
“Now I’m enjoying my moment,” he added. “I’m not thinking about the Ballon d’Or. If it comes, fine; and if not, I am satisfied that I have achieved my objectives.
“Now I have others with this club. We came here for this, to help the club win titles and on a personal level I’m also thinking about that.
“I arrived with a lot of enthusiasm and to continue getting more results in my career. It was a surprise for those who don’t see us on a daily basis, but we have been preparing for this. We have grown a lot since the arrival of Tata [Martino, Miami manager].”
Messi, Haaland, and De Bruyne emerged as the leading vote-getters from a jury comprised of coaches of clubs in Uefa competitions, those in charge of European national teams and a select group of journalists.
Haaland finished as the Champions League’s top scorer last season with 12 goals, while De Bruyne – who had a leading seven assists – played an integral part in City lifting the trophy for the first time.
Messi, who left Paris Saint-Germain for Inter Miami this summer, won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, claiming the last major trophy missing from his honours.
City’s Pep Guardiola is among the coach of the year nominees after leading the club to a treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League last season.
He is joined by Italian pair Simone Inzaghi, who took Inter Milan to the Champions League final, and Luciano Spalletti, the coach who ended Napoli’s 33-year wait for the Serie A title.
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