Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his belief that a good performance at this summer's European Championships could help him beat Lionel Messi to the Ballon d'Or.
The two strikers have been embroiled in a personal goal-scoring battle throughout the season, with Messi coming out on top with 72 goals in all competitions compared to Ronaldo's 62.
However, Ronaldo, who rated his individual season as 'ten out of ten', believes that Real Madrid's success in La Liga, coupled with a good Euro 2012, could help him break Messi's stranglehold on the award.
"I'm not the one who judges who deserves to win the Ballon d'Or, but I think I've had a fantastic season," said Ronaldo.
"I've won the most difficult league in the world. I agree with what Mourinho said, but what I want now is have a great European Championships, because that could also help me in the Ballon d'Or, although honestly it's not a matter that concerns me much.
"I'm happy with the season that I've had, but I'm already only thinking of helping my country now."
Ronaldo's Portugal find themselves in the 'group of death' alongside Germany, Netherlands and Denmark.
Germany
Switzerland
Hungary
Scotland
Spain
Italy
Croatia
Albania
England
Denmark
Slovenia
Serbia
Austria
France
Netherlands
Poland
Romania
Belgium
Slovakia
Ukraine
Portugal
Turkey
Georgia
Czech Republic