Deserve… or not? Mourinho delivers brutal Messi Ballon d’Or verdict

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Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has ‘doubts’ over whether Lionel Messi should win the Ballon d’Or this year.

Messi has had an incredible season for Barcelona even for his own unbelievably high standards, having scored a staggering 48 goals in 48 games with a further 22 assists.

His contributions have helped fire Barca to their fourth La Liga title win in five years and they could also claim the double if they defeat Valencia in the Copa del Rey final next week.

Yet the season still feels like somewhat of a disappointment for the Catalans because of their unbelievable semi-final defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League.

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As a result, Mourinho believes that Messi shouldn’t win the Ballon d’Or: “I have doubts that he deserves the Ballon d’Or this year because he failed in the Champions League.”

Messi hasn’t won the prestigious award since 2015 but is currently the odds on favourite to win it this year for a record sixth time.

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