Lionel Messi is better than Cristiano Ronaldo, says Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney believes that the “incredible” Lionel Messi is better than Cristiano Ronaldo – but admits that the pair are two of the best players of all-time.

Ronaldo came back to haunt his former club Manchester United when he scored Real Madrid’s equaliser in a 1-1 draw with the La Liga side in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie earlier this month.

Messi, who currently tops the La Liga goal-scoring charts with a staggering 37 strikes to his name, won a record fourth Ballon d’Or crown back in January after pipping Ronaldo to the crown.

And although Rooney admits it is difficult to separate the pair, Messi just edges Ronaldo in his opinion.

“They’re two different players. But I think Messi’s incredible. I think he’s the best ever, so I’d have to say Messi,” said Rooney, who was speaking at a Google hangout session with DHL.

“But Ronaldo has been a bit unlucky because, in any other time, he’d be winning all the awards Messi has. But they’re two of the best players of all-time.”