Arsene Wenger: 'Cristiano Ronaldo is in front of Lionel Messi'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said that Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has edged in front of Lionel Messi as the best player in the world.

The Barcelona forward won his fourth consecutive FIFA Ballon d'Or award last year, but Wenger believes that Ronaldo has shone ahead of the Argentina international.

During a Twitter Q&A via the club's official page, the Frenchman was asked about the players.

He responded by saying: "It's difficult, Messi was on top until now but in the last year maybe Ronaldo is in front, he is very athletic."

Messi is not expected to feature until 2014 after he was ruled out for six to eight weeks with a hamstring tear.