Wayne Rooney gives his verdict on the Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo GOAT debate, revealing his selection to Gary Neville

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Wayne Rooney has provided his verdict on the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate, after claiming the duo are 'the best two players to ever play the game'.

Ronaldo, 39, and Messi, 36, have endured a rivalry that became apparent as they battled for acclaimed individual prize across many years of their respective careers.

Even as the duo enter the twilight of their playing careers, the debate over who has been better still runs rife in football discourse and Rooney did not shy away from the topic either. 

Speaking on the latest episode of The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet, the new Plymouth Argyle boss admitted: 'I think Messi, he's the best ever. I get a lot of stick for saying Messi where it's as if, 'How can you say Messi, it's Ronaldo.' 

'I understand that people can say Messi, people can say Ronaldo – they are both incredible, probably the best two players to ever play the game. 

Wayne Rooney has given his opinion on the Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo GOAT debate

Across their careers, fans have often debated over who is better, Ronaldo (left) or Messi (right)

'For me, Messi has just got that little bit more flair, which I like in a player, so that's the reason.' 

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Rooney's admission comes as a surprise given the fact that he played with Ronaldo at Manchester United for five seasons earlier in their careers.

Cristiano Ronaldo first joined United in 2003, while Rooney arrived the following year in 2004. 

Their stint as teammates lasted until Ronaldo left for Real Madrid in 2009.

Messi, 36, now plies his trade with MLS outfit Inter Miami and the forward has shone since moving to the US.

He's netted 20 goals in 23 games for David Beckham's franchise, where he plays alongside former Barcelona team-mates Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez, and they sit top of the Eastern Conference after 10 games.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo is out in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr after joining at the back end of 2022.

Rooney played with Ronaldo at Manchester United for five seasons earlier in their careers

However, despite being team-mates with Ronaldo, the former England star opted for Messi

He was the first major name to head to the Middle East ahead of last summer's exodus and the Portuguese superstar has similarly starred.

Recently, Ronaldo shattered two goalscoring records after bagging a brace in Al-Nassr's 4-2 victory over rivals Al-Ittihad.

The Portuguese superstar was at his brilliant best as he fired the Saudi Arabian hosts into the lead on the stroke of half time before doubling their advantage in the 69th minute.

Two strikes against Al-Ittihad ensured the former Real Madrid, Man United, and Juventus star would become the new holder for the most goals scored in a single Saudi Pro League season.