Ronaldo is content with a local award on the night of Messi crowning the Golden Ball

Cristiano Ronaldo won the Italian Footballer of the Year award last season.

The player won the award at a ceremony on Monday in Milan, coinciding with the ceremony of the Golden Ball award won by Argentine star Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo scored 28 goals in all competitions with Juventus last season and helped lead the club to retain their eighth consecutive league title, achievements that were insufficient to challenge Argentine rivals for the Golden Ball.

Ronaldo, 34, was third in the France Football magazine's Golden Ball award, behind Messi and Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.

Messi broke the partnership with Ronaldo and became the most capped player in the Golden Ball after winning the sixth prize yesterday, while Ronaldo won five gold balls.