Lionel Messi makes shock Cristiano Ronaldo confession after World Cup struggles - report

Lionel Messi makes shock Cristiano Ronaldo confession after World Cup struggles - report

LIONEL MESSI has reportedly conceded his Argentina side are weaker than Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.

Lionel Messi missed a penalty in Argentina's draw with Iceland

Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines last night as his stunning hat-trick secured Portugal a 3-3 draw in their World Cup opener with Spain.

Lionel Messi failed to take his chance to make the back pages though as Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw with Iceland with the Barcelona talisman missing a penalty.

And Spanish publication Don Balon claim Messi is angry his chance of securing a sixth Ballon d’Or already appear to be slipping.

With five Ballon d’Or awards each to their name, both will be vying for a record sixth come the end of the year.

Messi won La Liga with Barcelona this season, while Ronaldo won a third consecutive Champions League title with Real Madrid.

Lionel Messi fluffed his lines against Iceland in Argentina's World Cup opener

The result of this year’s award winner could come down to whoever triumphs in the World Cup.

Don Balon say Messi is already conceding defeat in the battle to be crowned the world’s best player because he reportedly believes Portugal have a better team than Argentina.

Speaking after the match Messi said: “The truth is that we can not win the match, add up the three points.

“I think we deserved to win the match, but now it's to follow and think about what's next.

Lionel Messi's rival Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick against Spain

“It hurts to lose the penalty, because it would give us the advantage.

“And getting a difference changes the match, as did not happen in the first goal.

“But we could not keep because they drew fast.”

Messi’s Argentina next play Croatia on Thursday after Ronaldo’s Portugal play Morocco on Wednesday.