'They are both exceptional players, but they are totally different. They are totally different stars.
'Lionel Messi is a good boy, that every father and every mother would like to take home. He's a good man, he's very fast, and he's not exuberant, he's playing well, he's dancing. He's a kind man, a good boy. That's what makes him so popular, and naturally he'll always get a lot of votes because he plays well and scores goal.
'The other one (Ronaldo) is something else. He is like a commander on the field of play. (Blatter then mock marches around the stage and receives a round of applause).
'This is the other side of football and it's good to have commanders on the field.
'They don't have the same attitude and that gives life to football. One has more expenses for the hairdresser than the other but that doesn't matter.
'I can't say who is the best - there will be a contest again this year at the Ballon d'Or.
'I like both of them, but I prefer Messi.'