Messi more naturally talented than Ronaldo, says Pique

Thegoalmac can reveal that as the Ballon d'Or race hots up, Gerard Pique has stated that Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi is more naturally talented than Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

Who agrees or disagrees with Gerard Pique? Because for me I think so too that Messi's talent is more natural than that of Ronaldo, who is more of a product of hardwork in training. Read what Pique said after the cut.

"Messi is more of a natural talent," he told Voetbal Magazine. "He's not as obsessed with training. It is not a matter of who's better but of perception.

"I admire the mental strength shown by Cristiano after Messi won the Ballon d'Or four times. I was pleased for him that he had won in 2013.

"It's not only just the talent though. Behind Messi there is a lot of work, he's a formidable force with a very powerful engine that makes him tick. Cristiano is more physical than Messi, yes, but if you lack the physical ability, nothing works."

On Monday the final trio of Ballon d'Or candidates will be announced ahead of January 12's Ballon d'Or ceremony.