Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are widely regarded as two of the greatest footballers of all-time.

They've dominated football over the last decade, winning each of the last ten Ballon d'Or awards between them.

And spectators have passionately argued about who is the better player.

Typically, most footballers side with Messi in the debate but there's a sizeable number fighting Ronaldo's corner.

One of them is Ronaldo's Juventus and Portugal teammate Joao Cancelo.

The 24-year-old wing back has explained how Barcelona's 5-1 El Clasico win shows that Ronaldo is more integral to a team than Messi.

"I am talking about a player who makes the difference everywhere he goes because he is different to all the others," Cancelo told Sky Sport Italia, as per Goal.

"When he arrived at Juventus, not only did he raise the level of the squad, but also the individual level of his teammates.

"Juventus have always been a great club but now with Cristiano, they have been transformed in the eyes of the opposition to favourites for the Champions League.

"Cristiano was born to win and help his teammates to win.

"Cristiano won the Champions League as an absolute protagonist, scoring 15 goals. When he plays for a team, that team becomes the best there is.

"The proof is in the latest Clasico result. Barcelona without Lionel Messi win 5-1, Real Madrid without Cristiano Ronaldo lose 5-1. That is the difference."

It's true that Real Madrid have been terrible since losing Ronaldo to Juventus.

The Spanish giants currently lie ninth in La Liga, having failed to register a win in each of their last five league outings.

Meanwhile, Juventus are enjoying their best ever start to a Serie A campaign - and Cancelo believes Ronaldo should be awarded the Ballon d'Or.

"Every day I train with Cristiano Ronaldo and so far he has won five editions of the Ballon d'Or," he said.

"If Cristiano doesn't win it this year, it's just incredible. He is the best of them all and last season he was more decisive than any other player."

Luka Modric if the favourite to win this year's edition of the Ballon d'Or - but Ronaldo still fancies his chances.

“I’ve said many times that winning a sixth Ballon d’Or isn’t an obsession, but of course I want to win my sixth Ballon d’Or," said the 33-year-old Juventus forward.

“I’d be lying if I said otherwise. I’m working for it as I work to score goals and win games without making it an obsession. I think I deserve the Ballon d’Or, yes."

Does Ronaldo deserve to win it again? Let us know your opinion by leaving a comment below.