Lionel Messi Doesn't Feel Like He Is Competing with Cristiano Ronaldo

Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo—who is the best footballer in the world?

It is a debate that has raged throughout the football world for the last few years, but one man who is not concerned about the rivalry is Messi himself. 

Speaking at the presentation of Barcelona's sponsorship agreement with Gillette, Messi said, per the Daily Mail:

"

Competing with Cristiano? I don't feel like competing with him or anyone else. It's not about individual awards. I want to help my team. I don't think about my place in football history. I just want to keep getting better and win trophies with my team.

"

Messi won four Ballon d'Or awards in a row between 2009 and 2012 to cement his reputation as the world's greatest player, but Real Madrid ace Ronaldo broke the streak by winning the award last year. 

The two players are expected to challenge for the honour again this year, with Ronaldo currently the slight favourite to win the prize according to Oddschecker. 

Away from the regular Barcelona v Real Madrid showdowns, Messi and Ronaldo could come face-to-face again in November, after a friendly between Argentina and Portugal at Manchester United's Old Trafford was confirmed for November.