Rio de Janeiro, Dec 29: Brazilian legend Ronaldo believes Barcelona's talismanic forward Lionel Messi is a more complete footballer than his Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

Both Portuguese Ronaldo and Argentine Messi have been nominated for this year's Ballon d'Or -- alongside Brazilian Neymar -- a trophy that the two have shared during the last seven years.

Debate over who is better among the two has been raging on for sometime, but Ronaldo, who played for Barcelona and Real Madrid during his peak, chose Messi ahead of the Portuguese star.

"I choose Messi. I see Messi more complete. He does things in a most spectacular way," Ronaldo was quoted as saying by goal.com on Tuesday.

Messi has netted 12 goals and assisted five in 17 games this season. Ronaldo has scored 23 times in 22 games and has seven assists to his credit.

IANS