'If Messi had the same work ethic as Ronaldo, he would have 15 Ballon d'Ors today'

Patrice Evra has claimed that Lionel Messi would be able to boast 15 Ballon d'Or victories if he'd matched Cristiano Ronaldo's work ethic.

The long-running rivalry between the two forwards has been a constant theme throughout their respective careers. Messi - the reigning Best FIFA Men's Player of the Year - currently leads the standings when it comes to Ballon d'Ors.

The Argentine has the most in football history with seven, whilst Ronaldo has five to his name having last won the award in 2017. However, Evra has claimed that Messi's lead could potentially be even greater by suggesting that the PSG star would have surpassed Ronaldo if he'd matched his work ethic.

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand's Vibe with Five Podcast, the former French left-back said: "I want to explain why I say Ronaldo every time. It's not because he's our brother it's because I'm in love with work ethic.

"I feel like Messi, God just gave him a talent and Cristiano had to work for it. He had the talent but he had to work for it. If Messi had the same work ethic as Ronaldo, he would probably have like 15 Ballon d'Ors today. I'm just in love with people working hard so that's why I pick Ronaldo over Messi."

Evra and Ronaldo spent three-and-a-half seasons together as teammates whilst the pair were with Man United. In that time, they won three Premier League titles, two League Cups and the Champions League before Ronaldo departed for Real Madrid in what was then a World record transfer.

He now finds himself with Saudi club Al-Nassr and has enjoyed a bright start to his stint at the club with eight goals in his first seven appearances since his move. However, he appears unlikely to add another Ballon d'Or to his collection.

His rival Messi is the current favourite after his pivotal role in Argentina lifting the World Cup in Qatar last year. Ronaldo previously made the bizarre claim that had the former Barcelona forward won the Ballon d'Or in 2019 instead of himself, he would have retired.

In an excerpt of Ronaldo's biography published by L'Equipe, the Portuguese is reported to have said: "It's easy to stay in your bubble when you're successful.

"I took a risk coming to Turin. I changed clubs, championships, football culture, I took a risk and it was that risk that, I'm sure, made me not win the Ballon d'Or in 2018."

"If Messi wins the Ballon d'Or this year, I'm leaving football," Ronaldo added.

Messi might actually have a decision to make regarding his future and his pursuit of more Ballon d'Ors in the future. His contract with PSG expires at the end of the campaign with former club Barcelona and a move to MLS touted.