GOAL - The Iran coach wanted the Barcelona superstar crowned the world's best player ahead of the player he worked with at Manchester United and Portugal.

Carlos Queiroz voted for Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d’Or ahead of his own compatriot and former charge Cristiano Ronaldo, placing the Real Madrid star second ahead of Neymar.

The 62-year-old, who was given a vote as coach of Iran, worked with Ronaldo at both Manchester United and the Portugal national team, yet he opted to place Messi in top spot as the Argentine went on to be crowned the world’s best player for the fifth time in his career on Monday.

Queiroz enjoyed a strong relationship with Ronaldo during their time together at Old Trafford and the national team.

However, things between the two soured in recent years, particularly when Queiroz’s Portugal were knocked out of the World Cup by Spain in 2010.

An angry Ronaldo pointed the blame at the coach after the game, with Queiroz admitting that he had not spoken to the Real Madrid star since then, a situation that may not be about to change any time soon.