Lionel Messi hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as ‘phenomenal’ after the Portugal star helped Real Madrid to retain the Champions League title.

The Portuguese star had a memorable season with Real Madrid after his team clinched the Spanish La Liga title and retained the Champions League trophy.

The Madrid forward is the hot favourite to win his fifth Ballon D’or ; a feat which would see him equal Messi.

Messi however insisted that the perceived rivalry was something that is only hyped by the media and he felt comfortable talking about Cristiano.

Messi is impressed by Cristiano’s constant drive for improvement which helped the Real Madrid man to become one of the best in the world.

"That thing about our rivalry is something more invented by the press than by us," Messi said to Tencent Sports.

"What we want is to do our best every year, to do the best for our teams and what is spoken from outside is not something I give importance to.

"He is a phenomenal player who has many qualities that year after year he improves and that is why he is one of the best in the world."

Messi also negated rumours of a future away from Camp Nou saying he wants to finish his career at Barcelona.

"It's what I always wanted and dreamed. I would love to finish my career at Barcelona," the Barcelona man said.