Wayne Rooney spoke about Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami, claiming that he’s the best.
Rooney is presently managing DC United in the MLS and commented on Lionel Messi joining MLS. The two played against each other several times while Messi was with Barcelona and Rooney with Manchester United, most notably two Champions League finals which saw Messi win both times.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Rooney was asked about Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami. Here is what he had to say:
“I think it’s great, to bring Messi into the league. We’ve all seen, over the years, the impact of David Beckham coming in, Zlatan (Ibrahimovic) coming in.
“Different players from overseas. To get Messi in the league, arguably the greatest player of all time, and still – he’s a little bit older – but not long ago he won the World Cup almost single handed. It’s going to be great for the league, for Miami.
“It’d be nice if we were his first opponents for D.C. fans to see him up close and for us to challenge ourselves against him. One thing I will say – it’s not going to be easy for him. The league’s a difficult league and I don’t think he’s going to come over here and absolutely tear it up immediately.
“He’ll have to adapt because it’s a bit different, it won’t be an easy ride for him.
“He’s the best. Simple as that. In my view he’s the best player to ever play the game. That’s how he’s different.
“The fanbase around him will be huge, commercially, for the league I’m sure it’ll be huge as well. It’s massive for MLS. With Messi coming here – I know MLS has always brought players in – but I think it’ll do that again, and it shows MLS can compete.
“It shows it’s a league where people want to come and want to play and it’s a huge first step.”
