Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has now shared who he thinks is between Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi or former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
The debate on who is best between the Argentine international and the former Real Madrid star has been raging on for what feels like forever, with Messi and Ronaldo having an astonishing 13 Ballon d’Ors between them.
Having won the FIFA World Cup, though, Messi is often viewed by many as the best to ever play the game, with the forward also the most decorated player in the history of soccer after Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup triumph last year.
And Rooney has now weighed in on who he thinks is better.
Rooney says Messi is better than former teammate Ronaldo
Speaking on the Overlap, the former England international and DC United manager picked Messi as the best between the two, despite playing alongside Ronaldo and winning the UEFA Champions League with the striker.
Indeed, the Inter Miami star’s stock has risen considerably when compared to Ronaldo, who since moving to Saudi Arabia has become something of a joke having been banned for a game due to reacting to Messi chants.
Rooney said when asked who he prefers between Messi or Ronaldo: “I think Messi, he’s the best ever. I get a lot of stick for saying Messi where it’s as if, ‘How can you say Messi, it’s Ronaldo.’
“I understand that people can say Messi, people can say Ronaldo – they are both incredible, probably the best two players to ever play the game. For me, Messi has just got that little bit more flair, which I like in a player, so that’s the reason.”
Even Ronaldo’s teammates now know who the GOAT is
A trend has been growing of late of big names in the world of soccer backing Messi as the greatest ever, with Ronaldo Nazario another superstar of late who has given his support for the Argentine over Ronaldo.
And with Rooney joining the hype train despite having played with Ronaldo and won numerous accolades with the Portuguese international, it speaks volume on how the two legends are now viewed in general.
Messi’s move to Inter Miami has taken the forward’s popularity and respect to a whole new level, whilst Ronaldo has somewhat seen his reputation take a hit since his messy departure from United.