What Wayne Rooney Said When A Reporter Asked 'Ronaldo Or Messi?' Might Surprise A Few People

He might have played with Cristiano Ronaldo for six years during his time at Old Trafford but former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney thinks that Lionel Messi is the better player.

Back in 2016, Rooney was answering a series of questions at Old Trafford and one of the biggest debates in world football popped up - Ronaldo or Lionel Messi?

The former England international answers honestly, but we can't help but notice his facial expression throughout.

He looks like that naughty kid who just done something wrong in class.

Some may have presumed Rooney would favour his former teammate but he chose five-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi - a decision that shocked many.

Rooney and Ronaldo produced moments of magic when playing in the same United side together. The pair tore it up at Old Trafford, playing off each other wonderfully while having an innate telepathy on the pitch.

But the decision remains; Lionel Messi is the greatest ever.

Image: PA

In fact, in his Sunday Times column earlier this year, he once again sparked the debate with his GOAT decision.

"Ronaldo wasn't as focused on goals when we started playing together but you could see that all he wanted was to be the best player in the world," Rooney wrote.

"He practised and practised and began to produce. Cristiano has become an incredible scorer and he and Messi are arguably the best two players the game has seen.

"But despite my friendship with Cristiano, I'd go for Messi.

Image: PA

"It's for the same reason I loved watching Xavi and Scholes: it's the different things in Messi's game. I've talked about composure and I can't remember seeing Messi score when he has hit the ball as hard as he could. He just rolls them in, makes it so easy.

"Ronaldo is ruthless in the box, a killer. But Messi will torture you before he kills you. With Messi you just get the impression he is having more fun.

"Those two have completely changed the game in terms of goalscoring numbers and I don't think they'll ever be matched."

Messi or Ronaldo? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Topics: Football News, Football, Manchester United, Messi, Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_