Rooney tips Messi for 7th Ballon d’or as a Premier star

Lionel Messi could win a seventh Ballon d’or playing in the Premier League, says Wayne Rooney.

The former Manchester United and England forward has admitted to being in “awe” of the 33-year-old Argentine.

Messi stunned Barcelo - na earlier this week when he handed in a transfer request, sparking a flurry of speculation as to his next destination with Manchester City and Paris St Germain mentioned as possible destinations.

Asked if he would wel - come Messi playing in the Premier League ,34- yearold Rooney told talkSPORT: “Ever y day of the week.

“I think he’s a year or two younger than me – he’s getting a bit older – but no-one has ever seen a player like him. There’s that debate of Messi or Ronaldo and M es si just has everything. He can create goals, score goals, he can dictate games.

“He’s the best player of all time and if he can come to the Premier League, I think whichever team it is – and I do believe it’s only Manchester City or Manchester United that can sign him…

“He could come to the Premier League and become player of the year, one million per cent, in my opinion.

“I don’t think he can do it for the next two or three years, but certainly for next season, if he surrounds himself with Kevin De Bruyne, with Bruno Fernandes – with these types of players, he can go and win his seventh Ballon d’or, which is incredible.”

Rooney spent five seasons playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford after both were signed by Sir Alex Ferguson as teenagers, and has looked on as the Portugal international has since gone from strength to strength with Real Madrid and Juventus.

But, of Messi, he added: “He’s one of the only players I’ve ever sat there and watched just in awe of.

“Don’ t get me wrong, the two of them have set a standard which I don’t think will ever be seen again, but for me, Messi is just different level.”