Speaking in an interview with Diario AS, former Inter Milan and Dutch international midfielder Wesley Sneijder has reflected on the Ballon d'Or 2010 edition, stating that he should have been the one to claim the award.
“It was a bit unfair that I didn’t win the Ballon d’Or and Messi won it. But I’m not a guy who will cry about it. The Ballon d’Or is an individual award, and I prefer to win team trophies.
"If I had to choose between the Champions League and the Ballon d’Or, I would choose the Champions League that I won, I am very happy with that title."
Sneijder had an outstanding season, adding the treble with Inter and a World Cup silver with the Netherlands to his trophy cabinet, but the Ballon d'Or vote is not solely based on team achievements — individual performances, leadership qualities and overall impact on the game also play a crucial role.
Messi's individual brilliance prevailed: the Argentine recorded a whopping 60 goal for club and country back then.