Cristiano Ronaldo slammed a Ballon d’Or organizer and accused them of lying after Lionel Messi won the prize in 2021.

Ronaldo, who currently holds five Ballon d’Or honors, is anticipated to fall farther behind his everlasting rival when Messi takes his eighth trophy on October 30. Following Argentina’s amazing World Cup victory, a report earlier this week suggested that the Inter Miami great will win the trophy in 2023.

Messi, 36, last won the famed golden ball two years ago, defeating Polish striker Robert Lewandowski in a contentious decision. That night, Ronaldo went on a rage on social media after organiser Pascal Ferre claimed the Portuguese’s “only” professional desire was to win more Ballon d’Or than Messi.

According to Ferre, editor-in-chief of France Football, which presents the Ballon d’Or, “Ronaldo has only one ambition, and that is to retire with more Ballons d’Or than Messi, and I know that because he has told me.”

Responding angrily to Ferre’s remarks, Ronaldo accused him of lying and stated that he has always championed “sportsmanship.” “Today’s outcome explains Pascal Ferre’s statements last week when he stated that I confided in him that my only ambition was to finish my career with more Golden Balls than Lionel Messi,” the former Manchester United hero wrote on Instagram.

“Pascal Ferre lied; he used my name to promote himself and the publication for which he works.” It is unconscionable that the person in charge of awarding such a famous medal would lie in this manner, showing complete disregard for someone who has always admired French football and the Ballon d’Or.

“And he lied again today, citing an alleged quarantine that has no reason to exist to justify my absence from the Gala.” I always want to congratulate the winners in the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play, which have guided my profession since the beginning, and I do it because I’m never against anyone.

“I always win for myself and the clubs I represent, and I win for those who love me.” I’ve never won a game. My greatest career aim is to win national and international titles for the clubs I represent as well as for my country’s national team.

“My greatest ambition in life is to set a good example for all those who are or want to be professional football players.” My greatest aim in life is to have my name etched in gold letters in the annals of world football.

“I’ll conclude by saying that my focus is already on Manchester United’s next game and everything that we can still achieve this season as a team and as fans.” What about the rest? The rest is just that…”