Wayne Rooney Sparks New Dispute with Cristiano Ronaldo Over Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo has reignited tensions with Wayne Rooney after making a statement regarding Lionel Messi’s superiority in football. This latest development comes after Rooney’s recent commentary on Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, creating a backdrop for a potential new disagreement between the two football icons.

Ronaldo, currently playing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, expressed his views during a recent interview with broadcaster Piers Morgan. The 40-year-old forward made headlines by stating, “Is Messi better than me? I disagree. I don’t want to be humble.” His comments challenge Rooney’s previous stance, which suggested that Messi holds an edge over Ronaldo.

In a podcast episode released in September, Rooney acknowledged his past remarks that favored Messi but sought to clarify his position. He emphasized his admiration for Ronaldo, stating, “I love him. I think he’s an absolute genius and what he’s doing is incredible.” Rooney highlighted the close bond he shared with Ronaldo during their time together at Manchester United, dispelling any notion that his preference for Messi reflects negatively on Ronaldo.

Rooney explained, “I absolutely love Messi, love watching him play… I just think Messi had a little bit more in terms of how he played and taking players on.” He acknowledged Ronaldo’s effectiveness, referring to him as a “killer” on the pitch, while reiterating that both players deserve recognition as two of the greatest in football history.

The ongoing discourse between Rooney and Ronaldo is not the only controversy surrounding the former England international. Rooney has also faced backlash from Virgil van Dijk after criticizing the Liverpool captain’s performance. Van Dijk labeled Rooney’s comments as “lazy,” prompting a response from Rooney on his show, The Wayne Rooney Show.

In his reply, Rooney recognized Van Dijk’s talent, stating, “Last year it was hard to say anything bad because they were that good.” However, he also noted that Van Dijk “probably hasn’t been as good as he has been over the last few years,” suggesting that even top players have periods of underperformance.

As the football community watches these exchanges unfold, the rivalry between Ronaldo and Rooney continues to captivate fans. Both players remain significant figures in the sport, with their opinions and interactions influencing discussions among players and supporters alike.

The ongoing developments highlight the competitive nature of professional football, where personal relationships and historical rivalries often blend with public opinions, keeping fans engaged in the narrative both on and off the pitch.