Barcelona, Spain (World Wide Gamble) - Lionel Messi claims he would prefer to win trophies with Barcelona and Argentina rather than be named recipient of this year's Ballon D'Or.

Messi has emerged in recent weeks as a serious rival to Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo in the race to be named Europe's footballer of the year.

But speaking ahead of next month's presentation, the diminutive forward claims he prizes team glory ahead of personal success.

"It is great praise and gives me pride (to be in the running)," he said. "But I would swap it for a title with Barcelona or Argentina, of that I have no doubt.

"I seek collective success, everyone knows I do not like to lose anything, that I am angry when we do not win. However, the collective success is what I want more, with Barcelona or Argentina."

(Courtesy of sportbox.tv)