Roberto Carlos has picked his choice between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

Brazilian football legend Roberto Carlos thinks that the dedication that Cristiano Ronaldo has is enough to put him ahead of Lionel Messi on who’s the best player debate.

The Portugese superstar has just won his fifth Ballon d’Or earlier this month, levelling himself with Messi on football alocade.

And Carlos thinks that his professionalism and desire to improve which sets him apart from Messi and the former left-back’s fellow Brazilian Neymar.

“These days, when you talk about football, you talk about Neymar, Messi and Ronaldo,” he told Fox Sports .

“Cristiano has worked to improve. When you talk about the Ballon d’Or or any other prize, it’s not just any person who votes, it’s people who know football, who follow the stats of the players and pick the best in the world.

“I watch him train every day and the way he works is exciting. He wants to improve every day.

“That’s the difference with Messi. Leo is a phenomenon, we never talk about Neymar… but that side of Cristiano, of training, professionalism, focus, motivation, success…

Cristiano has an advantage over all the others.”