Argentine star full of praise for rival Portuguese striker

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi praised archrival Cristiano Ronaldo's goal-scoring prowess in an interview published on Thursday as speculation mounted the Portuguese international could be picked as World Player of the Year.

A day after picking up a Golden Boot award for scoring 46 league goals last season, more than any other player in Europe, the 26-year-old Messi paid respect to his Real Madrid rival.