Barca’s Lionel Messi (left) and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo shake hands prior to a La Liga match at Camp Nou earlier this year. PIC/Getty Images

Messi, who said there had never been “any kind of quarrel or anything” with the Real Madrid talisman, whom he called “a great player”, was speaking in Frankfurt, before a friendly between Argentina and Germany.

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.86%

AAP 41.43%

INC 25.71%

Submit

View All In Poll

Asked about his choice to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, Messi said he would choose teammates Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta, given their exploits in retaining the European championship title with Spain and the 2010 World Cup.

Messi, who scored 50 goals in La Liga last season — four more than Ronaldo — has won the prize for the last three years.

But Barcelona finished second behind Real Madrid, who set records for most La Liga wins in a season with 32, most goals scored (121) and best goal difference (plus-89) en route to a first league title in four years.

Real start their title defence this Sunday against Valencia, while Barcelona take on Real Sociedad.