Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo Discuss Futures at 2014 Ballon D'Or Gala

Monday evening's Ballon d'Or awards ceremony is a celebration of the world's greatest football talents and events from the past year, but even then Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo couldn't dodge transfer speculation.

Messi in particular has been linked with an exit from Barcelona in recent weeks and did nothing to quell the rumours after admitting his place at the Camp Nou isn't assured, per AS English:

The official Barcelona website made sure to include full quotes, however, where Messi is quoted as reiterating his openness to one day retiring in Catalan country.   

Messi arrived from Newell's Old Boys in Argentina as a youth and assured that he may never rule out a return to where it all began.

“I have always said I’d like to end my career at Barça," he said, "but a lot can change in football. Neither can I say I’ll never play for Newell’s Old Boys."

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

The world-class pair are contending against one another, as well as Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, to claim the 2014 accolade as recognition for their exploits over the past 12 months.

The ceremony may be a celebration of their individual talents, but even in such competitive circumstances, Messi found the humility to praise La Liga rival Ronaldo, according to Matt Hughes of The Times:

"

Messi praises Ronaldo. "What Cristiano did this season was really impressive. He had an extraordinary year."

— Matt Hughes (@MattHughesTimes) January 12, 2015"

The Argentinian even went as far as to voice his desire to play alongside the Portuguese, per Miguel Delaney of ESPN FC, dismissing the underlying notion that the Barcelona and Real Madrid superstars sit as enemies:

Ronaldo comes into Monday's big reveal after leading Los Merengues to the 2013-14 Champions League title and triumph in the Copa del Rey, very arguably the finest year of his career to date.

The 2013 Ballon d'Or winner insisted he's currently happy at the Bernabeu, but again no solid statement of commitment came from the Portuguese captain:

Ronaldo also encouraged the idea of playing in the same team as Messi and Neuer, praising the quality of his Ballon d'Or rivals. Chris Waugh and Adam Shergold of the Daily Mail provided quotes.

"It would be nice to have the three of us together on the same team," he said, "that would be a good thing. I think I would like to have the two on stage now in my team."

Jon Super/Associated Press

Neither nominee seemed overeager to commit his future in Spain, leaving ambiguous and open ends when quizzed about where it is they'll be playing next season and beyond.

That being said, both Real Madrid and Barca can just be glad Ronaldo and Messi are among their ranks for the foreseeable future, with both in the running to establish themselves as 2014's finest on Monday.