13.01.2011 12:58

Iniesta happy with Messi Award

Anna Segura

Andrés Iniesta insisted that there is no conflict in the squad over Leo Messi’s award of the Ballon D’Oro and was adamant that he was: “thrilled for Leo and just happy to have been in the top three myself”.

Monday was a special day for the Club and especially for Xavi, Iniesta and Messi. All three of them have repeatedly made it clear that there is no problem between them as a result of Messi winning, with both Xavi and Iniesta joking after the Betis game that despite all the evidence, “we really don’t get on at all!”.

Pleased to make Top Three

Andrés Iniesta understands that the fans might not share the FIFA judges’ decision, but he is: “thrilled for Leo and happy to have been in the top three myself. There at all needs to be appreciated, it’s very difficult to reach such a high level”.

Fans’ support

Iniesta also assured the fans that both he and Xavi valued their support and the ovation they received, together with Messi, on Wednesday night: “we really felt the love and respect of the fans, which is great and makes you feel fantastic. We always do our best to please the fans so that everybody who comes to the match has a good time and can be proud of their team”.

Success down to team effort

It may be some while before Barça players fill the top three spots, but Iniesta didn’t rule it out completely: “we’ve done it once and that gives us the strength to continue doing things well. To repeat that feat, we’ll have to win titles - that’s when you have most chances of getting picked. The individual awards are all down to the team as a whole”.

Treble winners again?

Asked about the team’s chances of repeating their 2009-10 treble winning season, Iniesta replied: “it doesn’t hurt to dream! It’s difficult, but we are still in there and we know if we keep on working hard and showing our desire, it’ll be hard to deny us. We are really in the middle of a fantastic moment, both in terms of how we play and our results, as well as on a personal level with the great atmosphere there is between us all in the squad!”.