Wayne Rooney snubs Lionel Messi when naming the one player he wishes he played with during his career

Wayne Rooney overlooked Lionel Messi when picking the player he wishes he had played with during his stellar career.

Rooney, 39, will forever be remembered as one of England's finest players after an illustrious career in the game.

During his playing days, the Croxteth-born superstar played for the likes of Everton, Manchester United, DC United and Derby County.

Rooney spent the prime years of his career at United, winning five Premier Leagues and one UEFA Champions League among other trophies.

The former England captain also shared the pitch with some of the best players in the game, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard and Roy Keane.

Wayne Rooney names the player he wishes he played with during his career

There was one player whom Rooney wished he had the chance to play with - former France and Real Madrid midfielder Zinedine Zidane.

Back in May 2024, while speaking on The Overlap – a show brought to you by Sky Bet – Rooney explained why he wanted to call Zidane a teammate.

"I wish I played with Zinedine Zidane, just how good he was. [Lionel] Messi is the best of all time but to play with Zidane [would be amazing]," Rooney said. "He’s cool, calm, plays with both feet, goals and assists.”

During his playing career, the Frenchman played for the likes of Cannes, Bordeaux, Juventus and Madrid.

On the international stage, Zidane played 108 times for his country, scoring 31 goals.

He has lifted multiple trophies including the Champions League, La Liga, the World Cup and the Euros.

Zinedine Zidane has been out of a job since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. Image: Getty

After retiring in 2006, Zidane made a move to management and took charge of Madrid on two separate spells, winning a hat-trick of Champions League titles.

Speaking about his best teammate, Rooney told the Seven: Rob Burrow podcast with England rugby legend Rob Burrow: "My best team-mate, I'd say Darren Fletcher. There were a few - John O'Shea, Wes Brown, Michael Carrick - we were all really close.

"But Fletch was probably the one We sat next to each other in the dressing room and shared really good moments on and off the pitch together."