Lionel Messi thinks Rooney is 'special' player not comparable to anyone

Barcelona forward says England captain is 'a once in a generation player'

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi was one of the people who were inspired by England captain and Manchester United’s attack spearhead Wayne Rooney’s feat of beating Sir Bobby Charlton’s record of most goals for the national team.

Rooney scored his 50th goal in a 2-0 win against Switzerland in the Euro 2016 qualifiers at Wembley beating Charlton’s 49 goal record.

“Wayne Rooney is for me a once in a generation player. One of those special players, who is not comparable to any other,” Messi was quoted as saying by the Mirror on Wednesday.

“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,” the Barcelona captain added.

The Argentina forward praised Rooney further saying, “He is a winner. He will just be focused on success with England in the European Championship.”

The 28-year-old further said that he emulates Rooney in giving the team preference over self and records are just meaningless for him if the team is in distress.

“I have always said the same is true of myself and Argentina, breaking caps and goals records mean nothing unless they come with trophies. Like I say, Wayne is a winner. It will always be the team first and personal records second,” Messi said.