Cristiano Ronaldo would have won more FIFA Ballon d'Ors if he was 'ugly' and Lionel Messi 'is not even half as good' as the Portuguese, claims Carlos Varela.
The former Basel star believes Ronaldo is far superior to his long-standing rival after he has proven himself in more than one club.
Ronaldo had a record-breaking start to his new campaign, but a few experts insist he doesn't deserve the Ballon d'Or.
Read: Platini: Ronaldo, Like Messi In 2010, Doesn't Deserve Ballon d'Or
However, Varela believes that the Portuguese doesn't get all the credit he deserves because of his good looks.
"I do not understand how anyone could criticise him," he told AS.
"I think his image has a (negative) effect. People are jealous and envious of him. If he were ugly, they would have treated him better.
"He should have won more than two Ballon d'Or awards. Messi is not even half the player that Ronaldo is.
"Messi has not shown the world what he can do another club, unlike Ronaldo, who has already proven himself at Manchester United."
Messi won the Champions League three times with Barcelona, the only club he has ever played for, while Ronaldo won it twice – 2008 with Manchester United and 2014 with Real Madrid.
However, while Ronaldo has won two Ballon d'Or awards, Messi won the prestigious individual award four times.
Read: Ribery Slams Ronaldo Ballon d'Or Politics
Ronaldo has been the clear favourite to win this year's Ballon d'Or but Messi stole him the show recently after breaking the La Liga and Champions League all-time records this week.
Do you think Ronaldo's looks played in role in his previous Ballon d'Or snubs? Have your say in the comment section below.
