Cristiano Ronaldo talked about Messi in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport on Monday, following Juve's 1-0 win over Inter on Friday night.
"I'm not competing with Messi," he said. "I don't like it when I am compared to others; it's not right. The numbers do the talking -- if you look at the statistics, you'll see."
Then he took it a step further,
"I left my comfort zone, I believed in myself and showed to everyone that I am still an incredible player. I played in England, Spain, Italy and Portugal; he's always stayed in Spain. I'd love it if he came to Italy one day, if he took on a new challenge, like I did. But if he's happy where he is, I can respect that. He's a fantastic player and a good kid."
He was also refreshingly honest about the Ballon d'Or, dispelling (at least in words) one of the most commonly held beliefs about him.
"I think I deserve it every single year -- that's what I work for, but if somebody else wins it I can live with it and respect the decision," he said. "I did everything I could to win it, but I am no less happy if I don't win it."