Lionel Messi hails Cristiano Ronaldo for his ‘great achievements’

Argentine maestro Lionel Messi says Cristiano Ronaldo -- winner of Ballon d’Or and FIFA award in 2016 -- is a great player and he shares mutual respect with his Portuguese rival.

The Barcelona talisman also praised the Real Madrid marksman for his outstanding achievements through his playing career.

Ronaldo beat Messi to the Ballon d'Or and also the FIFA best player award after claiming the 11th Champions League title, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup with Real.

He also led Portugal to their first European Championship glory last year, though he walked off the pitch injured 25 minutes into the final against hosts France.

Earlier Ronaldo had said that he and Messi have much respect between them despite the historic rivalry between the clubs.

The 29-year-old Messi feels Ronaldo deserves a lot of credit for his exploits in the game.

The five-time player of the year, however, denied that surpassing the former Manchester United man’s feats is one of the chief motivations in his career.

"There is a mutual respect," he told in an exclusive interview with UK-based Coach Magazine. "I view him as a great player who has achieved great things because that is exactly what he is.

"My motivation, though, has always come from wanting to do well for Barcelona and Argentina, and the fans."

Having played in Barcelona colours since the age of 13, Messi is determined to add more silverwares to his already glittering trophy case.