Wayne Rooney: Cristiano Ronaldo has overtaken Lionel Messi

Wayne Rooney believes Cristiano Ronaldo has displaced Lionel Messi to become the finest footballer in the world and backed his former Manchester United teammate to retain the Ballon d'Or.

Ronaldo, who is Portugal's 51-goal record scorer, has struck 274 goals in 262 games for Real Madrid since joining them from United for a then world record fee of 80 million pounds in 2009.

Current Ballon d'Or holder Ronaldo heads a 23-man shortlist for this year's award and has scored 22 goals in 16 games so far this season.

Asked by MUTV if he expected Ronaldo to retain the award, Rooney replied: "I think so. I'm sure it'll be difficult to give it to anyone else."
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TOP SCORERS

1. Lionel Messi - 71 (90 games) - Barcelona
1. Raul - 71 (142) - Real Madrid, Schalke 04
3. Cristiano Ronaldo - 70 (107) - Man Utd, Real Madrid
4. Ruud van Nistelrooy - 56 (73) - PSV, Man Utd, Real Madrid
5. Thierry Henry - 50 (112) - Monaco, Arsenal, Barcelona

Barcelona and Argentina forward Messi is a four-time recipient of the award but Ronaldo has averaged at least a goal a game in each of his last three seasons for Real.

Rooney said: "He's had an incredible two or three years and I think he has certainly overtaken Lionel Messi now as the best player in the world."

Angel Di Maria is the only current Manchester United player on the 23-man shortlist, having been named man of the match for Real's Champions League final victory over Atletico Madrid as well as forming part of the Argentina team that reached the World Cup final.