Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister appeared to hit out at Lionel Messi after the Argentina star’s Ballon d’Or victory on Monday.
Messi claimed the prize in a ceremony in Paris for a record-extending eighth time on Monday, after inspiring his country to their eighth World Cup triumph last December.
The Ballon d'Or recognises the best footballer of the year and is voted for by 100 journalists from around the world.
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The pint-sized attacker claimed the prize ahead of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, while his long-time rival Ronaldo failed to make the 30-man shortlist for the first time since 2003.
Messi has now picked up three more Ballon d'Ors than anyone else, with Ronaldo having won it five times, most recently in 2017.
And after his latest triumph, Ronaldo’s sister was quick to hit out at the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player.
Katia Aveiro appeared to endorse a social media post praising Ronaldo’s exploits while questioning Messi’s most recent Ballon d’Or, which some quarters have regarded as little more than a lifetime achievement award.
An Instagram post depicted Ronaldo surrounded by his raft of personal honours including three UEFA Men's Player of the Year awards, four European Golden Shoes and five Ballon d'Ors.
The image was accompanied by the caption, “Earned, not given,” in an apparent dig at Messi.
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Aveiro liked the post and commented with five clapping emojis.
It’s not the first time Ronaldo’s sister has waded into modern football's eternal debate.
Last year, she labelled the World Cup as “the worst ever” before eventually praising the victorious Argentina for an entertaining final.
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Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Ballon d'Or
Chris Byfield