An international study shows that Lionel Messi has overtaken Cristiano Ronaldo as the most talked-about footballer in the world.

The Economics, Sports and Intangibles (ESI) study, conducted annually at the University of Navarra, reported that Messi is the highest-profile player in the world in terms of media value. The study researches various forms of media, sales and economic factors in determining the profile and value of players.

The research this year showed Messi was just ahead of Cristiano is terms of being the most talked-about player on the globe, also claiming that Messi's goal in the Champions League final helped him edge past the Portuguese superstar.

However, Ronaldo retained the title of the costliest player in the study despite being second in terms of media value. But although the researchers valued his saleability at €82 million, the sum Real Madrid will pay Manchester United for him is close to €96 million.

Messi was valued at €80m, with Liverpool star Fernando Torres coming in third at €67m.

In other ratings determined by the study, there were no surprises as United and Barcelona tied at the top of the team rankings, while United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was first in the managers' rankings as well.

The media value honor will certainly contribute to Messi's chances of winning the Ballon D'Or, an award whose panel is made up of journalists, and is a perfect present for him as the results of the study were released just a day after he turned 22 on Wednesday.