If anybody knows what it’s like to play in MLS after starring in Europe, it’s Wayne Rooney. The former Manchester United standout broke through in the English Premier League as a teenager with Everton in 2002, then anchored United for nearly 400 appearances from ’04 to ’17 before coming to play for D.C. United in ’18.
So with Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi nearing his debut for Inter Miami CF, the English legend had some words of wisdom to pass along: Don’t expect success to come easy.
Rooney offered his perspective over the weekend on how big of an adjustment and challenge playing in MLS can be for someone who’s never done it before—even someone as accomplished as Messi.
