Denilson: 'Lionel Messi better than Cristiano Ronaldo'

Lionel Messi is a superior player to Cristiano Ronaldo, according to former Brazil international Denilson.

The ex-Real Betis star has insisted that the Barcelona striker should receive this year's Ballon d'Or accolade over fellow nominees Ronaldo and Andres Iniesta.

"Messi is from another planet. He makes everything look so easy," Denilson told La Xarxa Radio.

"There is no other player that can win the Ballon d'Or. Cristiano has been great, but, Messi has been better. I would put Messi first, Iniesta second and Ronaldo third."

Denilson, who was capped more than 60 times for Brazil, went on to say that Ronaldo also lacks Messi's humility.

"Cristiano has to be more humble. The other day I heard him asked what player he thinks is the best in the world and he said himself," he continued.

"Messi was asked the same question and said that he thinks Iniesta is the best, his teammate at Barcelona, and this demonstrated his humility."

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho caused a stir earlier this week when he accused FIFA of rigging the Ballon d'Or to ensure a Messi victory.