Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked an angry backlash online after reacting to Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or win.
The Argentina international claimed the award for the eighth time on Monday night after propelling his country to World Cup glory last year.
Messi has now won the prize three more times than Ronaldo, with the duo long-time rivals.
Spanish journalist Tomas Roncero took to social media and posted a video online shortly after Messi’s win and said: “Hello friends.
Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to laugh after Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or for the eighth time
“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.”
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And Ronaldo has now reacted to the video with four laughing emojis.
It’s not known whether the 38-year-old was laughing at the journalist’s assessment – or Messi’s win.
Ronaldo has, however, previously been left unhappy at the way he’s been treated by Ballon d’Or chiefs.
He snubbed the ceremony back in 2018 when he’d got wind that Luka Modric, rather than himself, would be recognised.
And some football fans think Ronaldo was expressing his annoyance at Messi’s victory, with users criticising the forward on X.
“He actually posted that? Wow!” said one user.
A second said: “Messi showed Ronaldo nothing but respect. Even after today’s win. People talk about ‘respecting’ the two goats when this guy reeks [of] insecurity with his fake respect. Messi will always be the GOAT, recognised by legends of the game. Humble. While the other will remain in his shadow.”
A third posted a comparison between Ronaldo and Messi’s comments where the Argentina international hailed his rival.
They said: “The difference between Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. You can’t always buy class…”
Another opined: “For a guy that claims there’s no hated, Ronaldo sure is salty.”
And a sixth said: “How disgraceful honestly, even more so when Messi was rather complimenting him the other night.”
Messi was honoured after claiming the award and expressed his gratitude for the career he’s had so far.
“I couldn’t imagine having the career that I’ve had,” he said.
“Everything that I’ve achieved. The fortune I’ve had playing for the best team in the world, the best team in history.
“It’s nice to win these individual trophies. To win the Copa America and then the World Cup, to get it done is amazing.”
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have long had one of the biggest rivalries in football
And Messi acknowledged his rivalry with Ronaldo, too.
“I think we both benefited from each other because we are both very competitive and he also always wants to win over everyone and everything.
“I think it was a very beautiful period for us and for those who love football in general.
“What we have done all this time is very appreciable because as they say it is easy to reach the top but difficult to stay.
“We stayed at the top for 10 or 15 years, I’m not sure how many, and it was very difficult.
“It was very difficult to continue at this level and I think it was a great thing and a beautiful memory for everyone who enjoys football.”
