Lionel Messi Praises 'Winner' Wayne Rooney as 'Once in a Generation Player'
Wayne Rooney on Tuesday night surpassed Bobby Charlton to become England's all-time leading goal-scorer with his 50th international goal.
Argentina and FC Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi joined the football fraternity in singing praises for record-breaking Wayne Rooney after the England captain surpassed Bobby Charlton to become his country's all-time leading goal-scorer. Rooney converted a penalty to net his 50th goal during England's 2-0 victory over Switzerland in Euro 2016 qualifier. (Charlton Congratulates Rooney)
"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. (Gary Lineker Says Wayne Rooney Record Will Stay For "Long Time")
Rooney, 29, is set to hold the record for a long time as he leads the second-highest scorer in the current England set-up, Danny Welbeck (14), by a huge margin.
"Rooney is a winner. 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 ... there is nobody like him," Messi said. (Harry Kane Wants Rooney to Set Unbreakable Record)