Wayne Rooney’s perspective on the Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo argument will not sit well with his old teammate.
During their five years together at Manchester United, Rooney and Ronaldo teamed in spectacular ways on the field.
They won three Premier League titles and the Champions League after defeating Chelsea in 2008. Despite playing with Ronaldo, Rooney readily admits that Messi is the greatest player ever seen.
Rooney faced the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner in two Champions League finals, both of which he lost thanks to Messi’s masterclasses.
On the ‘Pardon My Take’ podcast in 2018, the former England and United captain was asked about the age-old topic, and immediately replied, “Messi.”
He then added: “Yeah, I think I’ve said this before, but they’re both probably the best two players to ever play the game. I just think Messi is, in my eyes, the greatest ever.”
Rooney has stated his position on numerous occasions. In March 2012, he wrote on X, which was then known as Twitter, “Messi is a joke.” “For me, the best ever.”
After viewing the Barcelona legend’s spectacular performance against Croatia in the World Cup semi-final ten years later, he repeated himself and emphasized, “Nothing has changed.”
In a Sunday Times column, Rooney waxed lyrical over Messi, writing, “With Messi, you just get the impression he is having more fun” than Ronaldo.
The D.C. United manager is now on the same level as Messi, who has 11 goals in 11 appearances for new club Inter Miami over the pond.
Rooney had warned Messi that he would not get his way, but he has made it look easy so far.
Given the Portuguese superstar’s statements against him in an infamous interview with Piers Morgan, his connection with Ronaldo does not look to be very strong these days.
Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo vs Wayne Rooney – All Stats You Need To Know
“I don’t know why he criticizes me so badly… probably because he finished his career and I’m still playing at a high level,” Ronaldo told Morgan on TalkTV, taking aim at his former teammate. “I’m not going to say that I’m looking better than him. Which is true…”
It came after Rooney mentioned Ronaldo’s age as he struggled with a bit-part role under Erik ten Hag.
The 37-year-old responded maturely, refusing to respond and just labelling the comments as “strange” and anticipated action from United, which did occur.
