Maurizio Sarri Determined to Help Cristiano Ronaldo Beat Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or Record

​Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri has revealed his frustration at seeing Lionel Messi collect more Ballon d’Or trophies than Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Argentine was named as the world’s best footballer for a record sixth time in December, taking him one ahead of his Portuguese counterpart in the all-time standings. Ronaldo placed third in the vote for 2019, trailing Messi and runner-up Virgil van Dijk.

The ​Juve superstar had an underwhelming debut season at Allianz Stadium, but his form has improved in 2019/20, with the veteran scoring 14 goals from his 16 ​Serie A appearances so far this term.

Discussing Ronaldo’s battle with Messi during a press conference, Sarri said (as quoted by ​Goal): “I would like to help Cristiano win the sixth Ballon d’Or first. 

“It’s really annoying thinking that someone won more [of them] than him. I think about him and I think helping him, it is my goal and the goal of the team. It is right for him.”

Despite their dominance over the last decade, both Ronaldo and Messi are nearing the end of their careers, and Sarri believes a new champion could emerge from within the Bianconeri camp.

The 61-year-old continued: “[Paulo] Dybala is going to be one of the contenders in the next years. I think so – Dybala is a top player. 

​”As every top player when they are becoming confident and having the right age, they are playing like a top player. I don’t think a manager can teach something to a top player. 

“Dybala is going to leave a mark in world and European football in the next years. He has got the right age to leave a mark and he’s still got many years of his career. He is really confident in this moment after a few difficulties in the past.“

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