Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta has talked about his thoughts on not winning a Ballon d’Or in his career. The midfielder was one of the most well-known players in his position in 2010 and in the period post that.
In a recent interview, Iniesta was asked about his feelings towards missing out on the Ballon d’Or. He said, “If you ask me whether I would have liked to win a Ballon d’Or, I would say yes. But no, football was not unfair to me and my awards. I’m very happy with my career and with everything that happened.”
Back in 2010, Spain won their first World Cup, thanks to Iniesta’s winning goal. Following the event, Argentina’s Great Lionel Messi and Spanish midfielder Xavi Hernandez along with Iniesta were nominated as the Ballon d’Or top three nominees. In the end, it was Messi lifted the award beating Iniesta and Xavi to it. However, there were many who thought Iniesta was robbed of his chance to etch his name on that prestigious award.
Iniesta: “If you ask me whether I would have liked to win a Ballon D’or, I would say yes. But no, football was not unfair with me and my awards. I’m very happy with my career and with everything that happened.” pic.twitter.com/l9PTdHjMj1
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) September 23, 2023
Throughout his career, Iniesta has played around 992 matches overall. In these matches, he has scored around 103 goals. The player has also made 192 assists over all competitions. The former Barcelona midfielder has won over 35 major trophies, with the most prestigious out of those being the four Champions League trophies and a World Cup.
Andres Iniesta talks about Messi winning the World Cup in 2022
Spanish legend Andres Iniesta has talked about his former team-mate Lionel Messi winning the World Cup. Both have played together for FC Barcelona for almost 14 years.
In a recent interview, the former Vissel Kobe and Barcelona midfielder talked about his thoughts on Messi winning the World Cup. He said, “I spoke with Messi during the World Cup. Of course, I was happy that he was doing well and eventually won it. With his ability and experience, he brings happiness wherever he goes.”
Earlier the player broke his silence when he was asked about his thoughts on Messi’s move this summer. LM10 moved to the far West as he joined MLS side Inter Miami following his decision to part ways with Paris Saint-Germain.
🇪🇸🗣️ Andrés Iniesta: “Leo Messi and I stayed in touch during the World Cup. I feel happy when things go well with a friend of mine.” pic.twitter.com/lZW2irE4yT
— Barça Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) September 22, 2023
The Spaniard said, “It would have been nice, special for what it means, but in the end, everyone looks for the best option, what they think will be good for them. From there, they will probably live a different experience than what they have lived before. If it’s what he was looking forward to and what he wanted, I’m sure it will go well, as he did well in all the places he’s been.”
The midfielder himself parted ways with Japanese side Vissel Kobe where he was for almost four seasons. He left the club this summer as a free agent to join UAE Pro League side Emirates Club.