The Poland international pointed out that while Ronaldo depends on hard work to succeed and become what he is in football, Messi is a born talent.

Argentina captain Messi collected his seventh Ballon d’Or title recently as he won the 2021 edition, pipping Lewandowski to the crown.

Ronaldo has five of the ballon d’Or title to his name and is still aiming for more at the age of 36.

And Lewandowski has now explained the key difference between Messi and Ronaldo, the two players who have often pipped him to the individual titles.

“It has always been a duel between them. It’s all about what kind of player you prefer,” Lewandowski told Sports Bild.

“The answer to the question (of which is superior) is difficult.

“I respect the hard work of Cristiano Ronaldo. For Messi, everything seems easy.

“I think Cristiano has had to work harder to succeed.”