Now 37, Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest to ever play the game—not just for Barcelona or La Liga, but in football history, though Cristiano Ronaldo fans might argue otherwise. ..Continue Reading
Across his 873 appearances for the Catalan giants, the Argentine legend scored an incredible 709 goals, helping the club secure ten La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies, and four Champions League wins.
Of course, Messi’s success at the Camp Nou was supported by an elite group of teammates, including the likes of Andres Iniesta, Xavi, and Sergio Busquets.
While he never played in the Premier League, Messi often came up against English sides in European competition.
So, which British player did he believe was most suited to the technical demands of Spanish football?
He gave his answer in a 2015 interview with Shortlist, leaving little doubt about his opinion.
“[Wayne] Rooney has exceptional quality,” Messi said when asked which British player would thrive in La Liga.
“Not just great technical ability, but also works very hard for his team. I’m sure Manchester United will never want to let him leave, though.”
But Messi was eventually proven wrong, as Rooney did depart Manchester United in 2017, making an emotional return to his childhood club, Everton, before later stints with D.C. United and Derby County.
It wasn’t the first time Messi had spoken highly of the former England captain—he had even referred to Rooney as a “once-in-a-generation talent” during an interview in 2015.
“Wayne Rooney is for me a once-in-a-generation player,” Messi told the Mirror. “One of those special players, who is not comparable to any other.
“There are many special players, but Rooney has exceptional quality and technical ability as well as being one of the strongest players I have faced with an exceptional work rate – there is nobody like him.”
“I have always said the same is true of myself and Argentina — breaking caps and goals records mean nothing unless they come with trophies,” Messi added. “Like I say, Wayne is a winner. It will always be the team first and personal records second.”
Rooney has also shared his perspective on the ongoing GOAT debate between his former Manchester United teammate Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
During an appearance on The Overlap, presented by Sky Bet in May 2024, he praised both football legends as “incredible” talents.
“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,” said Rooney.
Rooney offered a fresh perspective on the GOAT debate while participating in a game of ‘winner stays on’ featured on Prime Video.
When asked “Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?” he quickly answered “Lionel Messi”.
“For me, Messi has just got that little bit more flair, which I like in a player, so that’s the reason,” he added.
