Cristiano Ronaldo mocked as Lionel Messi wins eighth Ballon d’Or

When it rains it pours

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.

While Ronaldo has had an impressive start to life at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, the Portugal international wasn't in the running to win the individual accolade and now sits three Ballon d'Or's behind Messi with five.

After Messi's victory, several fans piled in on Ronaldo as they labelled his long-time rival the "undisputed GOAT".

"Ronaldo fans, it's time to admit that Messi is the true GOAT of football," wrote one fan.

A second said: "Do you know it's possible to love Ronaldo and accept Messi has done more and achieved more than him? Messi is the undisputed GOAT let's say the truth for once."

Despite his defeat, there were still some Ronaldo fans that couldn't bring themselves to congratulate Messi.

One said: "Messi fans waking up realizing nothing is changed, Cristiano Ronaldo is still the goat..."

Another commented: "Ronaldo earned every single Ballon D’or he won but I can’t say the same for Messi, Congratulations to him."

Related links:

• David Beckham makes promise to Lionel Messi after Ballon d’Or win
• Thierry Henry says he was robbed of 2003 Ballon d’Or award
• France Football claim Pele has same number of Ballon d’Ors as Lionel Messi