Wenger: Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals will demoralise Lionel Messi

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes that Cristiano Ronaldo's impressive goal scoring league form for Real Madrid this season might demoralise Lionel Messi.

The Portuguese captain has already netted 23 goals in all competitions this season while the Messi only has 11 to his name.

Messi is currently being comfortably outscored by his long-term rival, handing Ronaldo the initiative in the battle for the Ballon d'Or, and Arsenal Boss Wenger believes Messi's wide berth in the Catalan side could lead to issues.

Wenger, speaking to BeIn Sport, said: "When Messi sees that Ronaldo has scored so many more goals than him, it will play on his morale.

"On the wings, he cannot maintain his goal average. In the long term, he won't be happy.

"The best player in the team has a power within the club. He can make the coach better if there is chemistry between them.

"So, if his position doesn't suit him, it weakens the team as whole."

Messi and Ronaldo will go head-to-head on Tuesday when Argentina take on Portugal in an international friendly match at Old Trafford.