Chelsea and French legend Marcel Desailly rates Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney as a world great.

"Rooney is a world class player," said the former Chelsea star. "He is among the elite, there is no doubt in my mind about that at all.

"The only problem is the England national team have not done anything to confirm it."

Desailly feels Rooney's arrival on the scene as a callow teenager at Euro 2004 has tended to obscure the vast improvements he has made to his game.

Aside from goalscoring and forceful attacking play, Rooney has also learned the art of defending and it is likely he will be asked to provide assistance to Patrice Evra on the United left as the Premier League champions attempt to subdue Messi.

"Wayne came into the game such a long time ago," said Desailly.

"Since then he has shown how good he is, both tactically and technically.

"With the goals as well he has shown he is an amazing player. He is top class."

Desailly was speaking at a special event to mark 100 days before the start of the Homeless World Cup in Milan. The tournament will run from September 6-13 and will feature 48 nations from all five continents.