Barcelona star Lionel Messi has attempted to take the edge off his personal duel with Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of next week's Champions League final.

The Argentina superstar knows that, if Barcelona beat Manchester United in Rome, he will be World Player of the Year.

Otherwise, Ronaldo, 24, will be favourite to retain his title from last season.

But the Barca ace claims he is not worried about personal awards.

Messi, 21, said: "Nobody plays to be the best player in the world. This is a team game. I don't see it as a tussle between Cristiano and me. It will be a Barca-Manchester battle.

"What is important is that Barcelona are champions of Europe on May 27 in Rome.

"If we are champions it will certainly help me, but this is secondary."