Lionel Messi is the best player in the world, according to his rival Wayne Rooney.
The Manchester United striker is the favourite to win the PFA Player of the Year this evening and could become the third player to land both the outright gong and the Young Player award.
Rooney, who could miss the rest of United's season after picking up a groin injury on Thursday, has enjoyed the campaign of his career after smashing 34 goals to elevate him as one of the top players in world football.
But the 24-year-old believes Barcelona's Messi is more deserving of the ultimate accolade and has hailed him as the outstanding star of his generation.
"It's nice
that people put me up there, but I think Lionel Messi is the best in the world," he toldUnited Review.
"The things he can do with the ball are unbelievable and he is scoring a lot of goals as well.
"He has been fantastic again this year. He is the best player in the world."
