Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has once again shared his opinion that Lionel Messi is better than Cristiano Ronaldo in a savage retort to the Portuguese’s outspoken interview.
The current Red Devils’ striker was at the heart of a controversial interview with Piers Morgan in which Rooney was one of many recipients of criticism. In particular, Ronaldo hinted that the current DC United boss was “jealous” of the fact that he was still playing and even labelled him as a “rat”.
Rooney himself labelled those comments as a “bit strange” but initially refused to be drawn into a war of words with his ex-colleague. Instead, Rooney has fired a subtle dig at the Portuguese by claiming that Messi is the better player of the two.
Speaking with The Times, he said: “Everyone has different views on Messi and Ronaldo but I have said many times that I think Messi is the best. I have watched lots of videos of Diego Maradona, who was a similar player, but Messi is better.
“He has everything — the way he controls games, his dribbling, his assists — whereas Ronaldo is more of a goalscorer. It would be a great story for football if either Messi or Ronaldo won the World Cup.
“I have heard some of the Argentine players saying that they want to win it for Messi. That’s crazy — and might only increase the pressure on them.”
Who do you think is better out of Ronaldo or Messi? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Rooney’s latest selection is not the first time that he has gone for Messi ahead of former teammate Ronaldo. Speaking with The Sunday Times in the past, the five-time Premier League winner said: "Despite my friendship with Cristiano, I'd go for Messi. Ronaldo is ruthless in the box, a killer. But Messi will torture you before he kills you.
"With Messi you just get the impression he is having more fun. Those two have completely changed the game in terms of goal scoring numbers, and I don't think they'll ever be matched."
Interestingly enough, Ronaldo was probed by Morgan regarding his rivalry with Messi and waxed lyrical about the Argentine’s abilities.
He said: “Amazing player, he [Messi] is magic, top. As a person, we share the stage 16 years, imagine, 16 years we share. So, I have great relationship with him.
"I'm not a friend of him in terms of, what I mean friend is the guy who was with you in your house, speaking on the phone, no, but it's like a team-mate. He's a guy that I really respect the way he always speaks about me. Even his wife or and my girlfriend, they always respect and they're from Argentina.
“My girlfriend is from Argentina. So good. What I am going to say about Messi? A great guy who does great things for football. Probably the best player I've ever seen (excluding myself). Maybe Zidane. That I play and fight with, yes.”
