In a candid interview, the Brazilian put his reputation on the line by backing a club and international rival
Atletico Madrid full-back Filipe Luis has weighed in on the 2018 Ballon d'Or debate, insisting that Lionel Messi should have scooped the award ahead of Luka Modric.
Winning the Champions League and reaching the final of the World Cup saw the Croatian gifted the coveted honour, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Antoine Griezmann taking second and third place respectively.
Kylian Mbappe, who did lift the Kope Trophy, made fourth place for his exploits with Paris Saint-Germain and winning the World Cup, meaning Messi had to settle for fifth.