Wayne Rooney defends Messi after Ronaldo's comment for "mediocre" MLS
Wayne Rooney has defended Lionel Messi after Cristiano Ronaldo critised him over his move to MLS and his claim that the Saudi league is stronger.
Messi officially became an Inter Miami player last week, but Ronaldo was not impressed by the transfer. His former "rival", currently playing for Al-Nasr in Saudi Arabia, told reporters that "The Saudi league is much better than the American one".
Now Ronaldo's old team-mate Rooney, who is currently behind the wheel of D.C. United, who play in the American MLS, defended Messi. He told The Athletic: "This league [MLS] has all the potential to be one of the biggest leagues. You see how Saudi Arabia is trying to get certain players. So for MLS to get Messi was a big thing. What better way to show that they can compete with the wealth of Saudi Arabia than to get Messi?
Messi has signed a contract until 2025 worth up to $60m (£46m) per season. However, with his new team in last place in the Eastern Conference, he may not find it easy in MLS. On the quality of the league, Rooney said: The quality is very high in this league. Maybe it's a bit unfair. You get phone calls from player managers and it's almost insulting sometimes the level of players they offer me - quite a few aren't even ready or good enough to play in the league (MLS)
Messi has already been joined in Miami by former Barcelona team-mate Sergio Busquets, while Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba are also rumored to follow. He could make his debut against Mexican side Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup on Friday night.
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