Lisbon, Jan 14: Portugal's national football team coach Fernando Santos has said that Christiano Ronaldo's rivalry with Argentina's Lionel Messi over the Ballon d'Or award has proved to be "useful".

Ronaldo left Barcelona forward Messi in the shade after he won the Ballon d'Or award for the second succesive time at the FIFA ceremony in Zurich on Monday, reports Xinhua.

The 29-year-old forward earned 37.66 percent of votes, while Messi got 15.76.

"His (Ronaldo's) individual competition with Messi was a personal reaffirmation that he wants to continue to conquer many personal and collective successes. I know his biggest dream is to conquer a success in the selection," Fernando Santos was quoted as saying by Lusa News Agency Tuesday.

The Portuguese coach added that he was "very satisfied" with the distinction given to Ronaldo and that it confirmed he was the "best player in the world".

Ronaldo won the prestigious for the second straight year. He had also won the award in 2008.

He broke a record in last season's Champions League scoring 17 goals and helped his club Real Madrid clinch their 10th title.

IANS