Ronaldo Slams France Football Chief For False Messi Rivalry Claims As Latter Takes Home Ballon d'Or

Cristiano Ronaldo accused France Football editor Pascal Ferre of fabrication over his claim on Friday about the Manchester United legend wanting to win more Ballons d'Or awards than Lionel Messi.

Ferre told The New York Times that Ronaldo's only career goal before retiring was to win more awards than Messi. "Ronaldo has only one ambition, and that is to retire with more Ballons d'Or than Messi," Ferre said. "I know that because he has told me."

The 36-year-old Portuguese star has a total of five awards. Ronaldo, who did not attend the ceremony in Paris Monday, hit back at Ferre's claims in an Instagram post ahead of the winner announcement.

"Today's outcome explains why Pascal Ferre's statements last week, when he said that I confided in him that my only ambition was to finish my career with more Ballons d'Or than Lionel Messi," Ronaldo wrote. "Pascal Ferre lied, he used my name to promote himself and to promote the publication he works for. It is unacceptable that the person responsible for awarding such a prestigious prize could lie in this way, in absolute disrespect for someone who has always respected France Football and the Ballon d'Or."

Ronaldo also said that Ferre lied again about his absence from the Gala with an alleged quarantine that has no basis. The Manchester United leged added that he halways wants to congratulate those who win with sportsmanship. The forward firmly stated that he wins for himself and those who love him and doesn't compete against anyone.

"The biggest ambition of my career is to win national and international titles for the clubs I represent and for the national team in my country. The biggest ambition of my career is to be a good example for all those who are or want to be professional footballers. The biggest ambition of my career is to leave my name written in golden letters in the history of world football," he concluded.

The Ballon d'Or is presented by the magazine France Football. Paris Saint-Germain star Messi has won the men's 2021 Ballon d'Or at the awards ceremony in Paris held Monday evening. He now has a record of seven trophies.