Qatar 2022: Wayne Rooney reveals how Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi helped each other

Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney has highlighted ways Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi helped each other become greater.

The Portugal international and the Argentine football star have enjoyed an iconic rivalry for more than a decade and a half now.

The debate about the best player to have played football between them will not go away even if Messi wins the World Cup today.

Argentina will take on France in the final of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar later this afternoon.

Rooney, who has in recent interviews picked Messi over his former Manchester United teammate, Ronaldo, said he admires both for their unique persona and the way they keep pushing each other.

“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.”