Cristiano Ronaldo rejects claims he has vile nickname for Lionel Messi

A new book suggested the Real Madrid player referred to his great rival with an offensive term

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi (GETTY IMAGES)

Cristiano Ronaldo has angrily rejected claims that he uses a vile nickname for his great rival Lionel Messi and has said his lawyers will take action against the perpetrators of the reports.

A new book by Spanish journalist Guillem Balague claimed that the Real Madrid forward referred to the Barcelona player as 'motherf*****'. It was also suggested that he used the term for anyone who spoke to Messi.

Balague goes on to claim that his Real Madrid team-mates compare Messi to a "dog" and a "puppet".

Ronaldo has since taken to Facebook to deny the allegations and insists he has nothing but respect for Messi.

"News is circulating that I allegedly made offending remarks regarding Lionel Messi," wrote the 29-year-old.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi (GETTY IMAGES)

He continued: "This is absolutely false and I have assured my lawyer takes action to sue those responsible. I have the utmost respect for all my professional colleagues, and Messi is obviously no exception."

Post by Cristiano Ronaldo.

For the past few years, Ronaldo and Messi have been involved in a dual to be recognised as the greatest player on the planet. Messi was crowned winner of the Ballon d'Or for four years in a row until Ronaldo wrestled it back for his second in January. With a stunning 18 goals in 10 La Liga games so far this term, Ronaldo is the strong favourite to retain the trophy.