Brazil boss Tite: Ronaldo's the best, Messi not in top 3 this year

Brazil head coach Tite revealed where his crosses went on the ballot for The Best FIFA Men's Player 2016 award, with Cristiano Ronaldo topping his personal vote.

There wasn't a spot on his list for Lionel Messi despite the high regard he holds for the Barcelona and Argentina magician, as he instead plumped for players who produced the goods on the international stage.

"Messi's the best in the world, but this year, Ronaldo has been the best," Tite told the Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper, with translation from FIFA. "For his triumphs, Cristiano's year has been better.

"In second, Neymar, and in third, (Antoine) Griezmann. I left Messi out because he was injured a lot. Cristiano is direct, is fascinated with the goal. Messi is playful, creative."

Ronaldo helped inspire Portugal to an unexpected Euro 2016 triumph in the summer, while beaten finalist Griezmann was similarly influential for France - scoring the most goals (six) tallied at a European Championship since 1984.

Ronaldo also got the better of Griezmann at club level, as Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid on penalties in the Champions League final last May.

Neymar, meanwhile, is blossoming under the tutelage of Tite on the international stage, fashioning four goals and four assists over Brazil's so-far perfect six-game start to its World Cup qualification campaign. The Barcelona star also shone at Rio 2016, overcoming a slow start to score four goals en route to winning gold on home soil.

The winner of the honour will be revealed at The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony on Jan. 9, 2017 in Zurich, Switzerland.