Rooney Backs Messi To Thrive With Premier League Move

Messi’s next destination is being followed with keen interest globally after the Argentina international made his intentions clear of departing the Camp Nou as soon as possible on Tuesday.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has been widely tipped to try his luck in England, with Manchester City, where his former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola and best friend Sergio Aguero are currently employed, likely to snap him up.

Manchester United’s financial wherewithal means they cannot be ruled out either, and Rooney is adamant Messi can even a claim a record-extending seventh Ballon d’Or if he joins either of the Manchester rivals.

He told talkSPORT: “I know he’s getting older but he’s a player who no-one has seen before.

“Messi has everything – he can create goals, score goals, dictate the game and is the best player of all time.

“He’s one of the only players I’ve sat there and watched and been in awe.

“Him and Cristiano Ronaldo have set a standard which I don’t think will ever be seen again but, for me, Messi is just different level.”

“The United States shouldn’t be in his mind because he’s too good.

“He could come to the Premier League and be a Player of the Year. One million per cent.

“If he surrounds himself with Bruno Fernandes or Kevin De Bruyne, he could win a seventh Ballon d’Or.”