Cristiano Ronaldo twisted the knife into Lionel Messi ever deeper after the Real Madrid star claimed his fourth Ballon d’Or ahead of his Barcelona rival.
The Portuguese started off in a more complimentary fashion when asked about his old adversary and was discussing what it would be like if the pair played together.
He told France Football: ‘It would be interesting to see both of us in the same team.’
But then Ronaldo couldn’t help but take a thinly veiled swipe and claim that with all things equal and the deadly duo on the same side, he would have won more Ballon d’Or awards than Messi – who has five to his name.
He said: ‘I think great players should play together. So if we were in the same team, I think I would have more than him, but he wouldn’t be far off.’
In fairness to the Real talisman he did go on to offer praise to the Barcelona legend.
‘Everyone knows Messi is a great player. He’s won five Ballons d’Or,’ Ronaldo conceded.
Zinedine Zidane’s prolific forward has enjoyed a wonderful year with both domestic and international success.
He scored a penalty in Real’s Champions League triumph and helped lead Portugal to a historic first European crown against France.
The relentless work ethic of Ronaldo was evident in his comments after scooping his fourth Ballon d’Or.
Unwilling to rest on his laurels, he said: ‘My objective now is to win the Club World Cup, an important trophy.
‘After that, to win La Liga. It’s a title that Real wants to win. And if possible, the Champions League again and the Copa del Rey. I always want to win everything.’
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