Lionel Messi has joined the chorus of players and pundits lavishing praise on Wayne Rooney, calling the England striker a “once in ageneration” type of player.
On Tuesday, in a Euro 2016 qualifier against Switzerland, Rooney became the highest goalscorer in the history of the England national team when he slotted home form the penalty spot for his 50th international goal.
Messi made the comparisons between himself and the Manchester United and England captain.
“Wayne Rooney is for me a once in a generation player. One of those special players, who is not comparable to any other,” Messi said in a story in the the Mirror.
Messi disagreed with those who have said that Rooney is not a truly world class player.
“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,” the Argentinian added. “There is nobody like him.
“Rooney is a winner. He will just be focused on success with England in the European Championship
“I have always said the same is true of myself and Argentina — breaking caps and goals records mean nothing unless they come with trophies.”
The Barcelona No. 10 added: “Like I say, Wayne is a winner. It will always be the team first and personal records second.”
