A recent study has shown that Messi has overtaken Ronaldo as the highest profile player in the world in terms of media value, a ranking that could go a long way to secure him the coveted Ballon d’Or at the end of the year, an award handed out by a panel of journalists.

According to the Faculty of Economics, Sports and Intangibles (ESI) at the University of Navarra, their research found that Messi was the most popular and most talked about player in the media throughout last season, and his goal in the final of the Champions League for Barcelona was the catalyst that pushed him past 'CR7'.

Ronaldo, who will become the most expensive player in the history of the game when his move to Real Madrid is officially completed, was also deemed the costliest player in the study, although the researchers only valued him at €82 million, a full €12 million less than what Los Blancos will be required to pay to Manchester United.

Lionel Messi, meanwhile, who turned 22 yesterday, was valued at €80m, with Liverpool star Fernando Torres coming in third at €67m.

In the team rankings, however, United and Barcelona are tied at top spot in the study, but Sir Alex Ferguson remains the most influential manager, ahead of Pep Guardiola.

A recent study has shown that Messi has overtaken Ronaldo as the highest profile player in the world in terms of media value, a ranking that could go a long way to secure him the coveted Ballon d’Or at the end of the year, an award handed out by a panel of journalists.

According to the Faculty of Economics, Sports and Intangibles (ESI) at the University of Navarra, their research found that Messi was the most popular and most talked about player in the media throughout last season, and his goal in the final of the Champions League for Barcelona was the catalyst that pushed him past 'CR7'.

Ronaldo, who will become the most expensive player in the history of the game when his move to Real Madrid is officially completed, was also deemed the costliest player in the study, although the researchers only valued him at €82 million, a full €12 million less than what Los Blancos will be required to pay to Manchester United.

Lionel Messi, meanwhile, who turned 22 yesterday, was valued at €80m, with Liverpool star Fernando Torres coming in third at €67m.

In the team rankings, however, United and Barcelona are tied at top spot in the study, but Sir Alex Ferguson remains the most influential manager, ahead of Pep Guardiola.