Juan Roman Riquelme has tipped Lionel Messi to outperform Wayne Rooney at the World Cup finals.
The two youngsters have been identified as potential stars of this summer’s tournament, but Riquelme believes his Argentinian colleague is a better player than the England centre forward.
Riquelme, who encountered Rooney in the Champions League this season as well as in an international friendly against England, believes Messi will be the player to watch in Germany.
“I do not believe Rooney is as good as Messi,” opined Riquelme.
“Rooney is a very good young player but he is not Lionel Messi.
“He (Messi) will shine at the World Cup because he is showing great form this season and playing great football. He is different to the rest.
“I like his play a lot and I think he is on the road to becoming one of the best players in the world.”
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