Real Madrid midfielder presented the Argentine with his sixth Ballon d’Or on Monday.
The Croatian hails his incredible Barcelona counterpart for his achievements.
Modric also called for respect for the opponent.

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric was the one to present Lionel Messi with his record-breaking sixth Ballon d’Or on Monday night in Paris. The Croatian was the previous holder of this accolade.

After the Ballon d’Or gala, Modric praised Leo Messi for his incredible achievements. He told GOL: “It’s something incredible when you see all the Ballon d’Ors there. It doesn’t seem real, it just shows that he is an incredible player and that he is one of the best players of all time. Fair play for all he has done and well done.”

Modric also highlighted the importance of respect for the opponent: “I’m happy to be here. I think football is about respect and when you don’t win, out of respect, you have to be here as it is a celebration of football.”

Last year, Modric was the one to break the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly. The Argentine reclaimed the Ballon d’Or this Monday, December 2.