Giorgio Chiellini has explained why Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Lionel Messi. The Italian defender played alongside Ronaldo at Juventus

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were the only players not with clubs in Europe to be voted on a 26-man shortlist for the world team of the year.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are still popular and respected by their fellow players even though they no longer play for European clubs.

Depending on what side of the fence you sit on, you are either team Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. While you can appreciate both players and what they have achieved, the tribal nature of football likely means that there is a preference for one or the other, and little can be done to sway you to the other side.

The 26 finalists include the two players with the most Ballons d'Or in history, with all winners set to be announced next week