"Bigger than me winning it" - Andres Iniesta on missing out on Ballon d'Or in 2010 to then teammate Lionel Messi

Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has stated that being on the podium for the 2010 Ballon d'Or alongside fellow La Masia graduates Lionel Messi and Xavi meant more to him than if he would have won the award. The Spanish midfielder addressed the topic having recently announced his retirement from football at the age of 40.

In 2010, the trio of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, and Xavi Hernandez ranked first, second, and third, respectively, in the Ballon d'Or rankings. This marked the third time that three players from the same team occupied the top three positions after AC Milan did so in 1988 and 1989.

Iniesta is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in the history of football. Most of his achievements came with Barcelona and the Spanish national team, where he formed a formidable partnership in midfield with Xavi and Sergio Busquets. His crowning achievement came in 2010, when he scored the winning goal for Spain in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, which was their first and only World Cup title.

After stellar performances for both club and country in 2010, Iniesta was deservedly nominated for the Ballon d’Or award. But it was his then Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi who won the coveted award, as Iniesta finished second and Xavi third.

In 2012, Iniesta made it to the top three of the Ballon d’Or rankings again, but finished behind winner Messi and second-placed Cristiano Ronaldo.

Following his retirement from the beautiful game, Iniesta stated that making it to the top three of the Ballon d'Or rankings alongside Messi and Xavi is more special to him than winning the award himself. He said (via BarcaTimes on X):

"Ballon d'Or? The image of Xavi, Leo (Messi) and me on the podium is bigger than me winning it. Three players from La Masia on the podium was the biggest prize, not who won it."

Andres Iniesta said he doesn’t feel ‘wronged’ about losing the Ballon d'Or to Lionel Messi in 2010

During an interview in September 2023, Andres Iniesta stated that he doesn’t have a feeling of unfairness for losing the Ballon d’Or to Lionel Messi in 2010. After Messi won the coveted award, many believed the decision to give the Argentine the award was unjust as Iniesta achieved more that year.

Talking about the 2010 Ballon d'Or, Iniesta said (via Managing Barca):

“No, I don't have a feeling of unfairness. I'm always happy when I'm nominated & yes I wanted to win this award, but not winning it does not make me sad. I am very happy with what I have achieved in my career.”

Despite missing out on the coveted individual accolade, Iniesta will certainly be remembered as one of the greatest midfielders to have graced the sport.