Brazil legend Pele has claimed Cristiano Ronaldo should have won the 2012 Ballon d'Or ahead of Lionel Messi following his efforts for Real Madrid.

The Portugal international had to settle for second spot in the race for the prestigious individual award as the Barcelona star landed the trophy for the fourth year in succession, but Pele believes Ronaldo would have been a more worthy winner.

"In terms of football, I say Messi, but in terms of successes I think Ronaldo deserved to win the Ballon d'Or.

He won La Liga with Real Madrid," Pele said in an interview with AS. I wonder if this comment is not influenced by the rivalry between the Argentines and Brazilians.

"I was at Fifa presenting the award on two occasions. Cristiano was close on both occasions, but Messi always had more."

SOURCE: http://futbolgist.com/2013/06/15/ronaldo-deserved-ballon-dor-ahead-of-messi/