Valverde says Messi's Ballon d'Or absence is strange
The coach spoke ahead of the clash with Villarreal on Sunday
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said that it is strange that Lionel Messi is not on the Ballon d'Or podium - while Luka Modric, Antoine Griezmann and Cristiano Ronaldo are.
"It surprises me the same as it would anyone," said Valverde. "For example, Messi has been the best in the first, second and fifth week of the Champions League. And we didn't decide that UEFA did. And in the third and fourth he must have played badly... or, I don't know, he was injured," he added, sarcastically.
"Those who are there, we congratulate them, and then everyone can think what they want. But it's a bit strange, yes."
