Cristiano Ronaldo Leaves Comment On Instagram Post Criticizing Lionel Messi After Eighth Ballon d'Or Win

Cristiano Ronaldo took to Instagram after Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d'Or. Instead of congratulating Messi, Ronaldo liked a post criticizing him.

Cristiano Ronaldo took to Instagram after Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi won a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or on Monday night.

But five-time winner Ronaldo did not congratulate his great rival via social media.

Instead, the 38-year-old liked and left a comment on a video that showed Tomas Roncero of Diario AS claiming that his fellow journalists had been wrong to vote for Messi.

Roncero said that only five of Messi's eight Ballon d'Ors were deserved, adding that Erling Haaland should have won the 2023 edition.

Cristiano Ronaldo liked an Instagram video post in which Diario AS journalist Tomas Roncero criticized Lionel Messi and said that his eighth Ballon d'Or was undeserved :: Instagram/astelevision

"Hello friends. What we knew has happened. They were going to give another Ballon d'Or to Messi," said Roncero in the video.

"He went to retire at Miami, but he was already looking retired at PSG to prepare for the World Cup. He won the World Cup, yes, well, but with six penalties in their favor.

"The World Cup was 10 months ago, we're in November. Messi has eight Ballon d'Ors. Well, he should have five - he has the Ballon d'Ors of [Andres] Iniesta and Xavi, [Robert] Lewandowski who won six trophies in one season and Haaland who was the top scorer of everything."

Al Nassr skipper Ronaldo, 38, reacted to the video by posting four laughing emojis.

Ronaldo last won the Ballon d'Or in 2017, having also received the award in 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2016.

Lionel Messi (left) and Cristiano Ronaldo pictured embracing during a friendly game between PSG and a Saudi Pro League all-star XI in January 2023 :: IMAGO/Power Sport Images/Stringer