Man City star Rodri fumes at Ballon d’Or snub and suggests prestigious award isn’t based on football merit after Lionel Messi’s 2023 win

Manchester City star Rodri has taken a swipe at the Ballon d'Or after being snubbed in 2023, with Lionel Messi picking up the award.

The Spaniard enjoyed a stellar season as the Citizens won the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

He even scored the winning goal in the Champions League final for Manchester City against Inter Milan and helped Spain become Nations League champions.

However, despite this, Rodri wasn't surprised or shocked to see himself not make the top three and be overlooked in favour of Messi in the Ballon d'Or.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, he said: "I am not surprised. This is normal.

"I understand very well how things work in these individual awards. They are based on marketing, money and advertising.