Cristiano Ronaldo "would be locked up" for revealing his true thoughts on Barça star Lionel Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo caused controversy when asked about Lionel Messi winning the World Cup Golden Ball, handed out to the best player at the tournament. 

Some believed that Messi was not worthy of the award this summer and Ronaldo implied that he thought the same.

"If I said everything that I think, I would be in prison," he said, when asked whether it had been the correct decision to give Messi the award, before laughing the comment off.

Ronaldo continued: "Everyone can see, make their own judgements, the people in the world of football are intelligent.

"It would be a very interesting question for him. I cannot be honest about it.

"Each one does his job, each one delivers his best. Both want to be the best. For me, in my mind, I am the best."

Ronaldo had been awarded the Best Player in Europe award by UEFA at the Champions League draw on Thursday.