Pointing the way: Rooney and Messi have been sensational this seasonTen. The number for perfection. Synonymous with the shirts of football heroes Pele, Maradona and Platini.
Today it is Rooney and Messi. One is the rampaging bull, the darling of Nike; the other, known as 'the flea', pin-up of adidas.
In the Latin and European worlds they symbolise the dreams of millions. Boys from the streets and ghetto who have made it good and are getting better and better. The question on everyone's lips, though, is who really is the best?
Lionel Messi's imperious performance against Stuttgart on Wednesday steered Barcelona through to the Champions League quarterfinals.
The Argentina forward has 31 goals in all competitions and strike partner Thierry Henry says his form is 'ridiculous'.
'It is kind of ridiculous what he's doing. He's amazing,' said Henry. Stuttgart's former Tottenham coach Christian Gross was even more effusive. 'There is no doubt Messi is the best player in the world,' said Gross. 'His ability is incredible when you consider his age. It's fair to compare him to Maradona.'
Rooney v Messi: How they compare this seasonMaradona graced the Nou Camp too and if Messi sits comfortably alongside his fellow Argentinian, Wayne Rooney's galloping hooves must be within earshot.
Rooney has 32 goals in 43 games this season in all competitions. He has added a ruthless side to his game and is the undeniable driving force behind United's push for Premier League and European glory.
His performances against AC Milan, Graeme Souness believes, underlined his world standing.
Former Liverpool captain Souness said: 'Rooney is somewhere between Kenny Dalglish and a barnstorming centre forward. He has ridiculous enthusiasm, a neversay-die attitude, physical strength and bravery. What Rooney did to Nesta and Silva in the San Siro was magnificent.
'They tried to pick him off but they couldn't and in the end they were looking to the dug-out for answers. They couldn't live with him.
Rooney v Messi: How they featured in Champions League victories'We are still talking about potential here. Messi is 22 and Rooney is 24 and to be considered a great longevity has to apply. You need to spread it over a 10-year career. The two of them have the opportunity to underline how far they've come this summer at the World Cup.
'The greatest player I played against was Zico. He had a picture in his mind which others didn't see. These two are the same.
'What I love about both is their appetite for the game. They are not driven by money. If Chelsea or Manchester City offered ridiculous wages to Messi I don't think he'd go because it is all about playing and there is no bigger stage than Barcelona at the moment.
'The same applies to Rooney. I could see him staying for life and becoming Manchester United's greatest ever player.'
Gerard Pique is well qualified to judge, having played alongside both. He grew up with Messi in Barcelona's academy before moving to Manchester United and has since made a fine return to Spain.'They both have great qualities but I have to say Messi is the best,' said Pique. 'When he arrived here he had talent but was very small, yet he has gained so much since. You try to knock him down but he just gets up. He is incredible.
'Wayne is world class but can hurt you in other ways. He is the most powerful player I have seen and now he has added the goals he is more dangerous. He is a genius and his mentality is very strong. It sets him apart.'
source: dailymail
