Wayne Rooney says he'd take Lionel Messi over former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo if he had to choose one to play with.

Rooney was asked the question by United teammate Rio Ferdinand for the News of the World.

"I don't think Roni is going to be too happy with the answer. Lionel Messi. Over the last two years Messi has taken the game, excitement and entertainment to another level. Ronaldo is a world-class player, I have played with him and, rightly so, he was named World Player of the Year - but I think this year Messi has taken it to a different level," said Rooney.