Barcelona superstar, Neymar, has described his teammate and Ballon d’Or champion, Lionel Messi, as someone “from another planet”.
Messi won football’s top individual playing prize for a record fifth time on Monday, ahead of former holder, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar.
The 28-year-old, who claimed five trophies with Barca last term, has scored 18 goals and provided eight assists in 21 appearances in all competitions this season.
“As far as I am concerned, Leo is from another planet,” Neymar said.
“For me, Messi is the best in the world, he’s my idol and I hope we can enjoy watching him for years to come.
“It’s been one of the best days of my life; I enjoyed watching from the front row as Leo won and spending the day by the side of two of the best players there.
“I hope I can be at the ceremony again.”
The 23-year-old was, however, surprised to see himself come third behind Real Madrid rival, Ronaldo.
“In all honesty, yes, I’d hoped to come second. But I’m over it now. It’s another season and it’s time to do things well all over again. Now I have to work a little bit more to be among the three finalists again,” he said.
Real won no significant silverware last season – unlike Barca’s five-trophy haul.
Neymar was a key part of the Blaugrana’s treble win last season—he netted in the Copa del Rey and Champions League final victories and scored 22 goals in La Liga, per Squawka – and was the star man at the beginning of the current campaign when Messi was sidelined through injury.
Spanish outlet Marca, reported that Neymar’s Barcelona and Brazil teammate, Dani Alves, was annoyed with the result.
Alves believes his compatriot was the obvious choice for second place behind the Messi.
“Nothing surprises me any more in the football world, but I don’t agree with the difference (in votes) between Ney and Cristiano. If Leo didn’t win it, it had to be Ney. But he will win it one day. He has a lot of potential and quality. He wants it and he will fight a lot to achieve it. He always fights for his dreams,” Alves said.
