Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken of his rivalry with Lionel Messi, joking that the pair will only be friends if Messi joins him at Real Madrid.

Ronaldo and Messi go head-to-head for the Ballon D'Or once again this season as the Portugul international looks to add to his title from 2008.

Speaking to Bein Sport, Ronaldo insisted that the rivalry between the two players is created by the media and said that he respects Messi, but is not his "real friend".

"It did not start today between him [Messi] and me. What can I do? Nothing. I do not speak to newspapers or television," said Ronaldo.

"The media love us up against each other. I respect him as a pro player, like my other opponents. But we do not eat together at restaurants.

"Friends? No, we're not real friends. And if one day playing in the same team? This will be the case if he comes to Madrid."

Real Madrid face Alcoyano in the Copa del Rey tonight.