Wayne Rooney: Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Lionel Messi, says Manchester United captain
Real Madrid forward has 'certainly' overtaken Barcelona star, says former team-mate
![Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United celebrate winning the Premiership title at the end of the Barclays Premiership match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford in Manchester](https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2013/12/20/12/sport-5.jpg)
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
![Louise Thomas](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/louise-thomas.png)
Louise Thomas
Editor
Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney believes Cristiano Ronaldo is now the undisputed best player in the world.
Rooney, who won three Premier League titles, the Champions League and the Club World Cup with Ronaldo during their time at Old Trafford, backed his former team-mate over four-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi.
The Argentine equalled Raul's Champions League goalscoring record on Wednesday night, with his 71st strike in the competition, but Rooney says Ronaldo - who is the odds-on favourite to win this year's Ballon d'Or - has surpassed his rival.
"I think so," Rooney told MUTV when asked if he thought Ronaldo would win the award for a third time.
![Cristiano Ronaldo poses with the Ballon d'Or he won last year](https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2014/01/15/11/462476269.jpg)
"He’s had an incredible two or three years and I think he has certainly overtaken Lionel Messi now as the best player in the world.
"I’m sure it’ll be difficult to give it to anyone else."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments