Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone insists Barcelona star Leo Messi has his support.

Discussing Argentina's struggles during the World Cup, a leaked phone message had Simeone rating Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of his fellow Argentine.

"I would choose Messi definitely, without any doubt," when asked which of him or Cristiano Ronaldo he preferred.

"Yes, I said it, but the conversation was between friends talking about football.

"I wasn't talking about who is the best in the world, I just meant that for a normal club, with normal players, Ronaldo would probably fit in better, but with Messi, surrounded by great players, he's still the best in the world."