Cristiano Ronaldo breaks silence on Lionel Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or

Many weren't happy with Ronaldo's response

Messi was presented with the award as he beat Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe to the coveted prize.

The Argentine was rewarded for his heroics on the big stage as he scored seven goals and registered three assists to deliver a first World Cup for his country since 1986.

Having made the move to the MLS this summer – joining Beckham’s Inter Miami – Messi made an exhilarating start to life in the US as he won Inter the Leagues Cup title, their first major piece of silverware.

Ronaldo wasn't present at the ceremony in Paris but the 38-year-old received plenty of criticism online however the Al Nassr man left a comment underneath a post which many felt wasn't professional.

Spanish journalist Tomás Roncero posted a video where he said: "Hello friends. What we knew happened, they were going to give Messi another Ballon d'Or again. 

"He went to retire in Miami, even though he already looked like he was retired at PSG preparing for the World Cup. He won the World Cup, yes, good, but with six penalties... The World Cup was ten months ago, it's November. 

"Messi has eight Ballon d'Ors, he should have had five. He has Iniesta/Xavi's Ballon d'Or, Lewandowski's who won six trophies in one season and Haaland's who was the top scorer."

Commenting underneath, Ronaldo left four laughing emojis - much to the disappointment of some.

"You can’t always buy class…" said one person.

Another commented: "Disappointed in Ronaldo, I can't lie.

"Messi lives rent free in Ronaldo's head," wrote a third.

A fourth said: "Ronaldo lost the battle to Messi in both football and honor."

Related links:

• Cristiano Ronaldo mocked as Lionel Messi wins eighth Ballon d’Or
• Didier Drogba praised for reaction to audience booing Emi Martinez at Ballon d’Or
• David Beckham makes promise to Lionel Messi after Ballon d’Or win