Lionel Messi seems to have issued Cristiano Ronaldo a challenge after making a big admission following his record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or win this week.
Click through the gallery above to see some images of Messi's latest Ballon d'Or win!
The 34-year-old won the prestigious individual prize at a ceremony in Paris on Monday night after his exploits for Argentina at the 2021 Copa America over June and July.
Messi received 33 more votes than second-placed Robert Lewandowski, while Ronaldo, the Argentine's longstanding Ballon d'Or rival, finished sixth in the final ranking.
Speaking after his latest triumph during a post-event press conference, the Paris Saint-Germain forward was asked if his achievement can be bettered.
"I don't know if the record is beatable," Messi said, according to the Daily Mirror.
"I just have to accept it but I'm not sure if it can be beaten. Seven is really impressive."
Ahead of the event, France Football editor Pascal Ferre caused a major stir when he claimed that Ronaldo told him that it was his burning desire to retire with more Ballons d'Or than Messi.
Lewandowski's Words After Ballon D'Or Vote
The Manchester United talisman, though, fumed on Instagram in response to Ferre's remarks, stating it was "unacceptable" to be shown such "disrespect" from the publication's chief.
Here is the final top 10 ranking for this year's Ballon d'Or:
