Lionel Messi fans outraged after Cristiano Ronaldo beats Barcelona forward to Ballon d'Or award

While there was never much doubt that Cristiano Ronaldo would win this year's Ballon d'Or, that didn't stop the Lionel Messi fanatics from coming out of the woodwork when the results were announced on Monday night.

The Real Madrid and Portugal forward, who lifted both the Champions Leauge and the European Championship trophy in 2016, received more than twice the number of votes that the Barcelona star.

But that wasn't enough to convince Messi's most hardened followers he had bested the Argentinian over the last 12 months.

They weren't having any of it...

Jog on @Cristiano...#Messi is best player to kick a football...And @LuisSuarez9 should have won #ballondor2016 unbelievable 12 month stats — Spen (@spendigedig) December 12, 2016

@kiopptimism @zwebackhd You said it bro.Those who think Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Messi should donate their eyes — Lavinah Deborah (@LavinahMchelsea) December 12, 2016

@ericisdopeee @julian17_g @soccerdotcom @Cristiano Ronaldo wasn't decisively better last year though. 57/17 in 57 to Messi's 52/26 in 61. — Jake Domenic (@J_DOM10) December 12, 2016Of course there were those who were gushing towards Real Madrid's all-time top scorer...

Of course there were those who were gushing towards Real Madrid's all-time top scorer...

@Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest player we've ever seen, fully deserved the #ballondor2016 #ronaldo — Jon Watts (@Watts1Jon) December 12, 2016

Parabéns pela 4 bola de ouro @Cristiano congratulations for the 4 ballon or @Cristiano ????????? pic.twitter.com/N2aJIEkH7x — Luís Figo (@LuisFigo) December 12, 2016

 The Portuguese star's former clubs got involved as well...

Congratulations to @Cristiano Ronaldo... Ballon d'Or winner for an incredible fourth time. ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/QS5AJs1ebm — Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 12, 2016

And a fellow Real Madrid legend...

Exciting games ahead! What is your favourite team to win UEFA @ChampionsLeague this year? #UCLdraw #UCL https://t.co/Cs34OLYWHH — Luís Figo (@LuisFigo) December 12, 2016