Lionel Messi is reportedly not in the top three for the Ballon d'Or, something Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde does not understand.
Ernesto Valverde admits it would be a surprise if Lionel Messi misses out on a place among the final three nominees for the 2018 Ballon d'Or.
Reports emerged in Spain this week to suggest France Football's prize will go to Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric, with Cristiano Ronaldo second and Antoine Griezmann third.
If true, it would mark the end of Messi and Ronaldo's 10-year dominance of the award and the first time the Argentina star has not been in the final three since 2006.