ROONEY: “MESSI IS A JOKE”

By Staff Writer
Updated: 8 March, 2012

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney was in awe of Lionel Messi’s five-goal display last night and couldn’t hide his admiration for the player on social media site, Twitter.

Rooney, who is preparing for united’s Old Trafford showdown with Athletic Club tonight said: “Messi is a joke – for me the best ever.”

The England international wasn’t alone in his praise for the Argentine superstar as Messi’s performance prompted tweets from fellow players around Europe.

The 24-year-old became the first player in Champions League history to score five goals in a single game as Barça destroyed German side Bayer Leverkusen 10-2 on aggregate,

United meanwhile, entertain Basque side Athletic Club tonight in the Europa League and boss Sir Alex Ferguson has demanded his side must ‘wake up’ if they want to progress to the quarter finals of the competition.

Follow @icentrocampista