Messi dismisses Ronaldo rivalry

The Barcelona forward was at his scintillating best for his country on midweek, scoring the second goal as Argentina beat Germany 3-1 in a friendly match held in Frankfurt.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid striker Ronaldo was on target as Portugal secured a 2-0 victory over Panama.

Both winners of the Ballon d'Or, the two frontmen are frequently the subject of media debate as to which mercurial talent is the world's best.

Ronaldo recently gave an interview in which he claimed that he does not consider Messi to be his rival.

When asked by reporters in Frankfurt for his thoughts on the perceived conflict, the diminutive Argentinian agreed.

He told Marca: "I respect him, but I have no relationship with him, as I don't with a lot of other footballers.

"I have relationships with my Barcelona club-mates, and with the international squad, Argentine players who I've got to know well over the years.

"There's never been any kind of anger toward Cristiano.

"It's all made up by the press who want to believe there's a constant duel between the two of us, but I don't compete with Cristiano, nor does he with me.

"I just want to do my job, I want things to go well, and I want to keep winning trophies with the national side and with Barcelona."