Ronaldo picks Messi over Cristiano for Ballon d'Or

Former Brazil international Ronaldo says Lionel Messi deserves to win the Ballon d'Or ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 36-year-old, who won the Fifa World Player of the Year trophy three times during his career stated that he would prefer the Barcelona's stiker to win the award over the Portugues marvelous.

"It’s still a battle between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo", the Brazilian told reporters.

"Messi would get my vote because, in addition to being decisive, scoring loads of goals and winning trophies, he’s able to bring a special and different kind of magic to football.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is a very technical, very skillful and very pragmatic player, but Messi continues to produce the unexpected on a regular basis."