Antonio Cassano has revealed that Chelsea and Italy midfielder Jorginho agreed with his opinion that it would be a "scandal" if he won the Ballon d’Or ahead of Lionel Messi.
Jorginho has been tipped to win the prize after playing a major role in Italy's Euro 2020 triumph as well as Chelsea's Champions League win.
But the former Azzurri striker has claimed the midfield star agrees that the award should always go to Messi.
“Remember when I said any journalist who voted for Jorginho as Ballon d’Or should have his licence taken away?” Cassano asked Christian Vieri on his Twitch channel.
“Well, I was in Formentera with my family and just as I sat down, I felt a touch. ‘Antonio, you’re great!’ the voice says. I turn around to ask who he was, he took off his glasses and mask, and it was Jorginho!
“I told him, Jorgi, can you believe the scandal if they should give you the Ballon d’Or and not to Messi? He replied that he absolutely agreed with me, Messi should always win it.
“Now I admire Jorginho even more. We were talking for a good 90 minutes. He is an exceptional guy, very intelligent, humble and polite.”
Though Cassano claims Jorginho admitted he doesn't deserve the prize, the midfielder himself said last month he could be considered if voters prioritise trophies.
"We all have dreams," Jorginho told SporTV. "But, I'll be honest, it depends on the criteria that the decision is based on.
"If we're talking about talent then I know I'm not the best in the world. But if it's going on titles, then nobody has won more than I have this season.
"How could I compare myself to Messi, Neymar or Cristiano Ronaldo? They've got completely different characteristics to me. But, I repeat, it depends on the criteria."
After the Ballon d'Or was cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the award will handed out in December of this year.
Aside from Jorginho and Messi, other top candidates include Robert Lewandowski, N'Golo Kante, Cristiano Ronaldo, Romelu Lukaku and Kylian Mbappe.
N0_N0NsENSE
589
Football pundits: it would be a "scandal" if he won the Ballon d’Or ahead of Lionel Messi. People with agenda against Messi be like
Dangerforce129
564
MESSI to Jourginho:😂😂 “I don’t have a competitor for balon d’or or is it you??”😏
Vabballer2k6
537
The Obvious 2020 & 2021 Ballon Dor Winner..
lented
472
If Jorginho don't deserve it for being instrumental for his teams winning three trophies...then Messi too don't deserve it...truth must be told...we are tired of only two players winning it always
KingJerryTheGreat
439
Jorginho be like "When did I ever say that"....
SilverSurfer
313
Cristiano Ronaldo after hearing Jorginho’s words…
emabkr42
236
Jorginho has confirmed it ✅✅✅
Abu→bd
174
Who can overtake him......???
KingJerryTheGreat
157
The Statistics don't LIE. Here's some of Jorginho's contributions in EUROS where he's dominating almost in all areas. Mind that Modric won Balon dor in 2018 with far worse statistics of ONLY 2 goals and 1 assist....😉
Maliknaqash
19
If Jorginho don't deserve it for being instrumental for his teams winning three trophies...then Messi too don't deserve it...truth must be told...we are tired of only two players winning it always
tired or jealously to messi 🤔
DonPio
13
If Jorginho don't deserve it for being instrumental for his teams winning three trophies...then Messi too don't deserve it...truth must be told...we are tired of only two players winning it always
You’re tired to see him succeed beyond ur self proclaimed goat . Jealousy is a parasite and you are a Damaged victim
SaranSinna
13
If Jorginho don't deserve it for being instrumental for his teams winning three trophies...then Messi too don't deserve it...truth must be told...we are tired of only two players winning it always
Its an individual trophy mate,jorginho is a serious contender...Time will tell who's winning it.
richafiz✅
13
If Jorginho don't deserve it for being instrumental for his teams winning three trophies...then Messi too don't deserve it...truth must be told...we are tired of only two players winning it always
If Jorginho deserves it then what about Emerson, he also won three trophies 🏆 too
Rudabceksz
9
The Statistics don't LIE. Here's some of Jorginho's contributions in EUROS where he's dominating almost in all areas. Mind that Modric won Balon dor in 2018 with far worse statistics of ONLY 2 goals and 1 assist....😉
[image]
Please don't disrespect Modric by comparing Jorginho of 2021 to 2018 Modric. No individual award to show his brilliance. Not Chelsea best player, Italy best player , EPL MVP, UCL MVP, EUROS MVP, absolutely nothing. Just part of a winning team. Why don't we consider Emerson too
Beabikmt
8
If Jorginho don't deserve it for being instrumental for his teams winning three trophies...then Messi too don't deserve it...truth must be told...we are tired of only two players winning it always
You are tired cos ur Ronaldo isn't the favourite. now u want it to go to another since ur Ronaldo cant
SelvaKumar6
8
The Statistics don't LIE. Here's some of Jorginho's contributions in EUROS where he's dominating almost in all areas. Mind that Modric won Balon dor in 2018 with far worse statistics of ONLY 2 goals and 1 assist....😉
[image]
jorginhos knows who is the goat
KingJerryTheGreat
8
Obvious ur in pain 😂😂😂u have to push for Jorginho 😂😂u’ll never praise Messi.. We expect dis from you 😂😂dis is the sign of pain 🤣🤣🤣🤣💔🥱
I like Messi alot👍 He's a GOAT but I just don't understand this. If Modric won it with actually lesser contributions than Ronaldo in 2018 then why can't Jorginho win it as well with more contributions than Modric's year?
onagasavi
8
tired or jealously to messi 🤔
don't mind him