Ronaldo hits out at Barcelona legend Xavi

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has hit out at Barcelona legend Xavi after the midfielder claimed that Lionel Messi is the best player in the world. 

Xavi had said that the Portuguese was a top player and just unlucky to be around at the same time as Messi, but this seemed to make no difference to the three-time Ballon d’Or winner. 

"Only a fool could have played football and not recognise Cristiano is an elite footballer,"Xavi said 

"But he has just had bad luck to be around at the same time as Leo." 

In reply, Ronaldo bizarrely ranted that he is most searched for player on the internet – after he had netted against Osasuna on his return to action following winning Euro 2016. 

The forward also denigrated the ex-Barca man’s decision to see out his playing days in Qatar, where he now plays for Al-Sadd. 

"The most searched for player on the Internet is me,’ said Ronaldo 

"Those that want to appear on front covers or promote things speak about me. 

"What does it matter to me what Xavi says, he played in Qatar or I don’t know. 

"He’s won everything but he’s never won a Ballon d’Or – I have three."