LISBON - Portugal's national soccer team coach Fernando Santos said that Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo's rivalry with Lionel Messi over the Ballon d'or award was "useful" on Tuesday.

Ronaldo left Barcelona forward Messi in the shade after he won the Ballon d'or award for the third time at the FIFA ceremony held in Zurich, Switzerland on Monday.

The 29-year-old forward earned 37.66 per cent of votes, while Messi got 15.76.

"His (Cristiano Ronaldo's) individual competition with Messi was a personal reaffirmation that he wants to continue to conquer many personal and collective successes ... I know his biggest dream is to conquer a success in the selection," Fernando Santos was quotes as saying by Lusa News Agency on the sideline of the initiative "Football Talks".

The Portuguese coach added that he was "very satisfied" with the distinction given to Ronaldo and that it confirmed he was the "best player in the world."

Ronaldo won the d'or for the second straight year. He had also won the award in 2008.

He broke a record in last season's Champions League scoring 17 goals and helped his club Real Madrid clinch its 10th title.