London, May 20 : Barcelona's Argentine football star Lionel Messi has had a dig at Manchester United's Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the Champions League final, saying: It's not about you and me.

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," The Sun quoted him, as saying.

Messi's words will not be lost on Ronaldo.

The Portugal star was criticised for caring more about himself than the team after his strop when subbed in the Manchester derby.

Boss Alex Ferguson wanted to rest Ronaldo after securing a 2-0 cushion but the winger wanted to stay on and beat Nicolas Anelka to the Premier League top scorer gong.

Messi has an even bigger prize in sight. Barcelona has already won the Double in Spain and he is now eyeing a Treble to match United's triumph in 1999. (ANI)