Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has come strong at former Barcelona midfielder, Xavi Hernandez after the latter made comments suggesting Ronaldo was not up to the level of Argentine football magician Lionel Messi.

In a reply that could emanate into a raucous donnybrook, Ronaldo stated that he does not care about what Xavi says since he (Xavi) cannot boast of a Ballon D'Or.

Ronaldo went on to claim that it is normal for Xavi to make those comments about him since he is the most searched for footballer on the internet.

"I am the most searched for player on the internet,"Ronaldo boasted.

"When players, coaches want to appear on the front pages they talk about Cris, it is normal," he said. "What do I care what Xavi says?

 Ronaldo who is set for a fourth Ballon D'Or after winning the Champions League and the European Cup with Portugal recently mocked the Spanish footballer who now plays for Al Sadd in Qatar suggesting that the former Barcelona midfield dictator' words are irrelevant considering his current football destination.

"Xavi plays in Qatar, it doesn't have any relevance. Xavi has won everything, the World Cup, European Championships...and he has never won the Ballon d'Or."

Xavi had told Spanish radio station La SER earlier this week that Ronaldo's achievements could not come close to that of  his former teammate Lionel Messi.

Xavi regretted the fact that Ronaldo plays football in the same generation as Messi.

"Only a fool could have played football and not recognise Cristiano is an elite footballer," said Xavi. "But he just has had bad luck to be around at the same time as Leo.” The Spaniard had said.

Ronaldo's reply came shortly after Madrid's 5-2 win over Osasuna on Saturday. A game in which the former Manchester United player scored a goal.

By Musah Abelyire/ghanaguardian.com