Kylian Mbappe still aspires to win the Ballon d’Or, dubbed the “Holy Grail” by the Frenchman.

Mbappe, 24, finished third in this year’s Ballon d’Or voting, trailing Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi and Manchester City forward Erling Haaland. Messi, 36, was awarded his ninth Golden Ball on Monday for leading Argentina to World Cup success last December.

Messi’s team won the event in Qatar on penalties after defeating France. The game might have gone other way, with Mbappe becoming only the second player in World Cup history to score a hat-trick. Mbappe would have won the Ballon d’Or if France had won.

Despite missing out again this year, Mbappe will continue to compete for the Ballon d’Or. The PSG player, who won the World Cup in 2018, has previously called the Ballon d’Or as his “Holy Grail” despite never winning the Champions League.

Mbappe discussed the Ballon d’Or with France Football, the award’s organizers, last year. “In the face of this gleaming trophy, we all become children again,” he added. We all watch this event and think, ‘One day it’ll be me,’ when the players go down the red carpet.

“I’m sure many people fantasize about those moments, imagining the stress of waiting for the rankings to be revealed, sitting next to the best players on the planet… the Ballon d’Or awakens our childhood fantasies.” We can win championships and other honors, but this is the Holy Grail.”

After Messi’s World Cup victory, Mbappe was largely predicted to lose this year’s Ballon d’Or vote, and he was gracious in loss. “Congratulations Leo for your award,” he posted on Instagram after Messi’s win was announced. You’ve earned it.”

Messi, who played with Mbappe at PSG before joining Miami in July, praised Mbappe and the other runners-up, including fourth-placed Kevin De Bruyne. When winning the award, he stated, “(I) want to share this with my international teammates.”

“Thank you to the entire coaching staff.” Kudos also to Kylian, Erling, and Kevin. You guys are young and have accomplished so much already, so you have plenty of time. I’m thrilled to be here to take it all in one more time. Winning the World Cup fulfilled a long-held ambition of mine.