Cristiano Ronaldo 'demands pay rise to match Lionel Messi's wages'

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly demanded a significant pay rise from the club.

The Portuguese forward has requested a one-year contract extension worth £27m a year to put his earnings on par with Barcelona rival Lionel Messi, according to NAIJ.

Ronaldo is under contract with the La Liga giants until 2021 and already receives £19.5m a year, making him the club's top earner.

The 32-year-old returned from suspension on Wednesday evening to face Real Betis at the Bernabeu, a match in which his side slumped to a shock 1-0 defeat.

Previous reports suggest that David Beckham could attempt to lure Ronaldo to his Miami franchise in Major League Soccer when his Real contract expires.