Former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has insisted Lionel Messi is a better player because of Cristiano Ronaldo, and that the latter can still add more Ballons d'Or to his trophy cabinet.
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The Italian tactician, who coached Ronaldo between 2013 and 2015 at the Santiago Bernabeu, believes both superstars of the game have improved because of the other.
"For many this is the era of Messi, but it's also the era of Cristiano," Ancelotti told AS.
"The competition between them has improved them.
"Messi is better because he's had Cristiano, and Cristiano is better because he's had Messi."
Ronaldo and Messi have shared the past nine Ballons d'Or between them, and Ancelotti believes the duopoly will continue for another few years.
"Without a doubt, Ronaldo can (add to his collection) over the next two or three years. Like Messi," he added.
"The rest will still have to wait, although we can help some of them as a team, such as Lewandowski, for example, if we win lots of trophies."
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Ronaldo has now won the Ballon d'Or four times, while Messi has lifted the Golden Ball on five occasions.
Do you think Ronaldo can still catch Messi's Ballon d'Or tally? Have your say in the comments section below.
