Lionel Messi has insisted his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo has been invented by the media after hailing the Portuguese's title-winning season.
The pair are recognised as the two of the greatest footballers on the modern era but the debate on who is the best shows no sign of going away.
Ronaldo has been pivotal in Real Madrid's stellar trophy-winning season, scoring 37 goals in 42 appearances to help the club retain the Champions League and win La Liga for the first time since 2012.
The Portuguese brought up his 105th career goal in Real Madrid's 4-1 Champions League final win over Juventus as Zinedine Zidane's side retained the trophy for the first time in the modern era.
Speaking while on international duty with Argentina, Messi admitted he was impressed with Ronaldo's recent performances.
"He is a phenomenal player who has many qualities that year after year he improves and that is why he is one of the best in the world," Messi told Tencent Sports .
The 29-year-old also played down the misconception that the duo were bitter rivals.
"That thing about our rivalry is something more invented by the press than by us."
"What we want is to do our best every year, to do the best for our teams and what is spoken from outside is not something I give importance to."
Messi also reiterated his desire to stay at the Nou Camp, with reports suggesting the Argentinian is ready to sign a new five-year contract.
"Today, I [only] think of my day today, in Barcelona, where I am at," Messi said.
"To strive to achieve and get the most titles that we can, because in football, we don't know what could happen in the year to come. So I like to take it calm and little by little.
"[Staying with Barca] is what I have always wanted, what I have always dreamt of. I said that I would like to end my career in Barcelona, and we will see if it ends that way."
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