Cape Town - Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has sung the praises of Wayne Rooney after the striker netted his 50th England goal.
Messi believes the England captain deserves his place among the world's best, reports the Daily Express.
“Wayne Rooney is for me a once in a generation player. One of those special players, who is not comparable to any other," Messi said.
“There are many special players, but Rooney has exceptional quality and technical ability as well as being one of the strongest players I have faced with an exceptional work rate - there is nobody like him.
“Rooney is a winner. He will just be focused on success with England in the European Championship."
Messi insists there are similarities between himself and the Manchester United forward - both have failed to win a major trophy with their national team.
“I have always said the same is true of myself and Argentina — breaking caps and goals records mean nothing unless they come with trophies.
"Like I say, Wayne is a winner. It will always be the team first and personal records second.”