Manchester, England – The perennial debate over Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo has been reignited, this time fueled by comments from former Manchester United and England star, Wayne Rooney. Rooney, a former teammate of Ronaldo’s at Old Trafford, has publicly stated his belief that Messi surpasses the Portuguese icon, a sentiment Ronaldo himself has addressed with a succinct, yet firm disagreement.

The differing opinions stem from a long-standing comparison between two of the greatest players in football history. Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the sport for nearly two decades, amassing a combined twelve Ballon d’Or awards (Messi with eight, Ronaldo with five), numerous league titles, Champions League trophies, and individual scoring records that may never be broken. Their contrasting styles of play and personalities have only amplified the discussions amongst fans, pundits, and fellow professionals.

Rooney’s preference for Messi is not new. The former Everton prodigy has often highlighted Messi’s superior dribbling ability, agility, and overall influence on games as reasons for his choice. "I think I’ve said it before, but I think people view things differently because I played with Cristiano and not with Lionel," Rooney stated in a previous interview. "I think Messi is just, in my opinion, the best player ever. He’s just different. I’ve always said that."

Rooney and Ronaldo shared a fruitful, yet at times turbulent, relationship during their time together at Manchester United from 2004 to 2009. Under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson, the duo formed a potent attacking partnership, contributing significantly to the Red Devils’ dominance in the Premier League and their Champions League triumph in 2008. During their five seasons together, United secured three Premier League titles (2006-07, 2007-08, and 2008-09), an FA Cup (2004), two League Cups (2006, 2009), and the aforementioned Champions League. Individually, both players flourished. Ronaldo won his first Ballon d’Or in 2008 while at United, and Rooney established himself as one of England’s most promising talents.

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However, their relationship was not without its controversies. A notable incident occurred during the 2006 World Cup quarter-final match between England and Portugal. Rooney was shown a red card for a stamp on Ricardo Carvalho, an incident in which Ronaldo appeared to influence the referee’s decision. The episode led to a brief period of strained relations between the two players, though they later reconciled and continued to play effectively together for Manchester United.

Despite the occasional friction, Rooney has consistently maintained that he harbors no ill will towards Ronaldo. He has frequently praised Ronaldo’s work ethic, dedication, and remarkable goal-scoring ability. However, he has also consistently placed Messi above Ronaldo in his personal ranking of the greatest players.

Ronaldo, currently playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Professional League, addressed Rooney’s latest comments during an interview with Piers Morgan. While a full transcript of the interview is not yet available, a brief clip circulating on social media shows Ronaldo responding to a direct question about Rooney’s preference for Messi. Morgan asked Ronaldo, "Wayne Rooney said that he doesn’t hate you, but that he still thinks Messi is better." Ronaldo’s response was succinct: "No problem, I don’t agree."

Ronaldo’s reaction, while brief, highlights the intense rivalry and the differing opinions that surround the Messi-Ronaldo debate. Both players have fiercely defended their own legacies throughout their careers, and it is perhaps unsurprising that Ronaldo would disagree with Rooney’s assessment.

Statistically, both players boast incredible records. As of the current date, Messi has scored over 820 career goals for club and country, while Ronaldo has surpassed 870 goals, making him the all-time leading goalscorer in professional football. Messi has won eight Ballon d’Or awards, surpassing Ronaldo’s five. Ronaldo, however, holds the record for most goals in the Champions League with over 140 goals, a competition Messi has won four times compared to Ronaldo’s five.

Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, has enjoyed a successful start to his career in the United States, leading the team to their first-ever trophy by winning the Leagues Cup in 2023. He continues to demonstrate his exceptional talent and influence on the field, even at the age of 37.

Ronaldo, at 40 years old, remains a key player for Al-Nassr and the Portuguese national team. He continues to score goals at a prolific rate and recently led Al-Nassr to victory in the Arab Club Champions Cup. His continued presence at the highest levels of the sport is a testament to his remarkable fitness, dedication, and unwavering ambition.

The Rooney-Ronaldo exchange serves as a reminder of the enduring fascination with the Messi-Ronaldo debate. While statistics and individual opinions may vary, both players have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the history of football, and their legacies will continue to be debated and celebrated for generations to come.

As for upcoming fixtures, Messi’s Inter Miami is preparing for the MLS season, with their next match scheduled for [Insert Date] against [Insert Opponent]. Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr is competing in the Saudi Professional League, with their next fixture scheduled for [Insert Date] against [Insert Opponent]. Both players are also expected to play key roles for their respective national teams in upcoming international competitions.

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Ahmad Zein Salamo

Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.

His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.

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