Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has emphasized the ways Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo helped one another grow.
For more than fifteen years, the Argentine football star and the Portugal international have had a storied rivalry.
Even if Messi wins the World Cup today, the argument over who the greatest football player ever was will continue.
This afternoon in Qatar, the 2022 World Cup final featured Argentina vs. France.
Rooney, who recently chose Messi over his former Manchester United teammate, Ronaldo, in interviews, said he admires both for their distinctive personalities and their willingness to keep pushing one another.
“In some ways, they needed each other and, deep down, I suspect they have enjoyed their rivalry. When Cristiano went to Real Madrid, they pushed each other,” Rooney said in Sunday Times.
“Cristiano would score two goals on a Saturday, Messi would score two the next day, and they made each other reach even greater heights,and score more goals.”
