'Wayne Rooney is a once in a generation player'

What do you make Messi's comment?

Lionel Messi: 'Wayne Rooney is a once in a generation player'

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has called Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney one of the greatest players of his generation.

Rooney became England's leading goalscorer by scoring for the 50th time in the win over Switzerland on Tuesday to move past Sir Bobby Charlton.

The 29-year-old has been a key player for England since breaking into the squad 12 years ago, and Messi admits that he is one of the best players he has faced in his illustrious career.

"Wayne Rooney is, for me, a once in a generation player. One of those special players, who is not comparable to any other," the four-time Ballon d'Or winner told reporters.

"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."

In comparison to Rooney's 50 goals in 107 international matches, Messi has scored 49 goals in 105 appearances for Argentina.