Lionel Messi says Cristiano Ronaldo is a "phenomenal player" that continues to improve.

The pair are widely regarded as the two finest talents of their generation, with Ronaldo tipped to match Messi by winning a fifth Ballon d'Or in 2017 after helping Real Madrid claim Champions League and La Liga honours.

Messi insists his rivalry with the 32-year-old is more a media construct than anything, and has praised the world's best paid sportsperson for his qualities.

"That thing about our rivalry is something more invented by the press than by us," Messi said to Tencent Sports.

"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.

"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," concluded the Argentina and Barcelona talisman.