Pep Guardiola said that Erling Haaland was 'really pleased' to come second in the Ballon d'Or race - despite many thinking he was a deserving winner.
The 52-goal striker was tipped by many to pick up the award after firing City to the Treble but Messi won out after his World Cup triumph.
Guardiola was asked if the competition was all just a popularity contest ahead of Man City's match against Bournemouth on Saturday.
He said: 'I would say that I saw him so happy to be a contender close with Messi and Mbappe. It was a good night for Man City.
'Big congratulations to Leo Messi and Aitana Bonmati. It's so important for us because we have not been there many times. For the first time we were important being there.
'He has his whole career ahead of him and he can say 'ok, maybe next season'. He was really pleased to be there.'