Argentina's player Messi attends a training session at Cidade do Galo training center, Vespasiano, Brazil on November 8, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

LONDON - Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola on Sunday insisted that there's no need to compare Lionel Messi with Cristiano Ronaldo because the Argentine is of different level to the Portuguese.

Ronaldo collected his fourth Ballon d'Or award after a marvellous year. The Portuguese captain won the Champions League with his club Real Madrid and he also claimed the first European title for his nation at 2016 Euro France. However, Guardiola still thinks the Real player cannot match Messi.

"Messi is the best, he is definitely the best," the former Barca coach told a news conference. "He knows how to play, score and make the other players play. He is always there.

"With all the respect to all the players, first to Cristiano Ronaldo, congratulations to him for the award. I think Messi is on another level."