'Great players should play together' - Ronaldo talks of partnering Messi

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has praised Barcelona rival Lionel Messi, stating that it would be interesting if the two were team-mates.

The Portugal international lifted his fourth Ballon d'Or on Monday, moving just one behind Messi's haul, and feels that competition for the trophy would have been fierce if they played for the same club.

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Since 2010, either Ronaldo or Messi has lifted the trophy, but the Madeira native feels that he would have come out on top if Messi was his team-mate.

"It would be interesting to see both of us in the same team," Ronaldo told France Football . 

"I think great players should play together. So if we were in the same team, I think I would have more than him, but he wouldn't be far off.

"Everyone knows Messi is a great player. He's won five Ballons d'Or."

After winning another individual honour, the 31-year-old turns his attention back to club football, hoping to help Real Madrid to the Club World Cup in Japan.

Ronaldo believes that the club competition can be the start of more titles this season for Real, as he aims to add more achievements to his already impressive catalogue.

"My objective now is to win the Club World Cup, an important trophy," Ronaldo continued.

"After that, to win La Liga. It's a title that Real wants to win. And if possible, the Champions League again and the Copa del Rey. I always want to win everything."