Rayo Vallecano captain Roberto Trashorras has claimed that Barcelona's Lionel Messi is "a more complete player" than Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi and Ronaldo are widely regarded as the two standout players in world football, but the former is expected to pick up the latest Ballon d'Or award.

Trashorras does not disagree with that decision, but believes that Messi is a better player than Ronaldo.

"For me, Messi is the best. He is a more complete player and can influence the game for his team much more than Cristiano, who is more of a goalscorer," Trashorras told Sport.

"However, it's obvious Cristiano has had a better year and if the award is for the best player this year then perhaps he does deserve it. Even so, if you are comparing the two then the best always has to be Messi."

Ronaldo has scored 32 goals in 25 games this season, while Messi has struck 23 times in 22 games.