Source: Telegraph
Manchester United v Barcelona: Cristiano Ronaldo is one to watch says Lionel Messi
Ronaldo has finished first and second in the last two seasons, while Messi was runner-up last time out and third in 2007.
The duo are again likely to be among the favourites to win this year's award, and Wednesday's game in Rome will see the two players go head-to-head in a match which could influence who is named European Footballer of the Year.
However, Messi said: "I don't see it like that.
"I think they are two great teams, who in my mind play the best football, and whoever wins the final in Rome will be proclaimed the best team in the world."
Manchester United have quality everywhere. They have so many good players. But if I had to pick one out it would be Ronaldo. He is a player I would pay to watch.
"He and I are very different players but he is unbelievable, very special, and it will not be easy to stop him.
"But we must not pay all attention to him and forget about Berbatov, Rooney and Carlos Tevez."
Now Barca are aiming to become the first Spanish team to win the treble of league, cup and European Cup, which Messi admits would put the icing on what has been his most impressive season since breaking onto the scene five years ago.
"It's been my best year, without doubt. For the football, the play, for the goals and I hope to crown it with the Champions League," he added.
"At the start it (the treble) didn't concern us much. We always took it step by step. Now we've won the league and cup we are going for it and we are going to enjoy this occasion. We want the cup, league and Champions League."
Messi knows it will not be easy against the reigning champions though, adding: "The football that we are playing could make this an unforgettable year, but ahead of us is going to be a very tough opponent who are also playing very well.
"Good football is not the sole reserve of Barca. I've seen Manchester United play and it seems to me that they are a very good team. I like how they play."
