'Congratulations, you deserve it' - Modric tells Messi when handing Ballon d'Or

Luka Modric did the honours of passing over the Ballon d'Or award to Leo Messi on Monday night and, with it, had a message for his club rival.

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The prize which the Real Madrid midfielder won last year was back in the hands of the Barcelona star after going three years without it.

"Congratulations, you deserve it," Modric told Messi as he handed him the trophy.

On the red carpet, Modric went on to further speak about the Argentine.

"Messi is impressive, one of the best of all time, and I congratulate him for what he has done," he added.

"It could be a nice tradition that the last winner of the trophy gives it to the next winner.

"I am here because football is about respect, that's why I came here, to congratulate him and give him the prize."