Modric ended Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s 10-year duopoly on the prestigious prize last year having helped Croatia reach the World Cup final after winning a third successive Champions League with Real Madrid.
It was Messi’s turn to win the award again this year, though, as he claimed a record sixth Ballon d’Or having scored 41 goals in 44 club appearances so far across the calendar year.
Messi was LaLiga’s top scorer in 2018-19 as Barcelona beat Real Madrid to the title, though that did not stop Modric praising a star on the other side of the Clasico divide.
“Sports and football are not just about winning, they’re also about respect for your team-mates and rivals,” he wrote on his social media accounts alongside a picture of him handing Messi the award.
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