Ronaldo took offense, as did his club, as they felt it indicated Fifa's institutional bias towards Messi, who has pipped Ronaldo to the body's Ballon d'Or award for the past four years.
Blatter, however, maintains there was no malice intended in his comments.
"I apologise if you were upset by my light-hearted answer at private event on Friday," the Swiss wrote to Ronaldo's official Twitter account. "I never meant to offend you.
"I am an honorary 'socio' at Real Madrid and explained we've many talented players in world game, including you. Best wishes."
Blatter also responded to a complaint from Real president Florentino Perez, saying: "Dear President, I have received your letter today, the contents of which surprised me.
"I want to clarify that for me Cristiano Ronaldo is at the same level as Messi and they are both outstanding players, each in their own way.
"I'm sorry that this situation produced in a university event hurt as much as it did, and I apologise for it.
"It was never my intention to embarrass or disrespect Real Madrid or one of their players or the fans, not only for being the founder of the Fifa club but also for being the club that I follow and admire from my youth."
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