Cristiano Ronaldo heatedly denies nicknaming Ballon d'Or rival Lionel Messi 'motherf*****'

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has heatedly denied suggestions that he calls Argentine ace Lionel Messi offensive nicknames.

Ronaldo has reportedly been accused of using a series of spiteful nicknames, including 'motherf*****', to describe Messi, his Ballon d'Or rival, in Spanish football journalist and critic Guillem Balague's new book.

The book also claimed that the Portuguese star's Real teammates compare Messi to a 'dog' or 'puppet' but the forward has moved to reject such suggestions, The Mirror reported.

Ronaldo revealed that news is circulating that he allegedly made offending remarks regarding Messi. He added that this is absolutely false and he has assured his lawyer takes action to sue those responsible.

The Portuguese said that he has the utmost respect for all his professional colleagues, and the Barcelona forward is obviously no exception.