Wayne Rooney hit back at Cristiano Ronaldo’s criticism of MLS following the arrival of Lionel Messi and believes the standard of the league is roundly underestimated.
Ronaldo declared it is no match for the Saudi Pro League in an interview over the weekend declaring: “The Saudi league is better than MLS.”
But former Manchester United teammate Rooney insists that the league is roundly underestimated. Rooney, now DC United manager, insists Messi’s signing will help ensure the league to continue to grow and that it can compete with the Saudi riches in the battle for star names.
Rooney told The Athletic: “This league has all the capabilities of becoming one of the biggest leagues. You can see how Saudi are trying to get certain players. So for MLS to get Messi was huge. How better to show it can compete with the Saudi riches than by getting Messi?
The transfer of the World Cup winner to Inter Miami is undoubtedly one of the landmark moments in the history of the sport in the US. A major coup for the league, the former Barcelona hero was convinced to depart Europe for the first time in his club career, rebuffing the advances of his former employers at Camp Nou and a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia – despite doing business with the Saudi tourism board.
The 36-year-old received a rock star-like reception at his welcoming ceremony at DRV PNK Stadium, and there is plenty of intrigue regarding his move outside the USA. But it is difficult to predict the impact the arrival of the man many consider to be the greatest to ever play the game will have on its popularity in America.
However, according to former England captain Rooney, there is no doubt that Messi’s arrival represents a major step towards the improvement of the competition – believing that his arrival from PSG will only lead to more big names following the Argentine icon.
He added: “The excitement of getting Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and others who will come over, it brings attention.”
The former Everton prodigy has also provided insight into his experience of being a head coach in MLS during this period of significant transition, and insists the league is undervalued by those on the outside looking in.
The quality is very high in this league,” he continued. “It is probably a bit disrespected. You get agents phoning up and it’s almost an insult with some of the players you get offered — they’re nowhere near ready or good enough to play in the league.”
Rooney takes charge of the MLS All-Stars in an exhibition match at D.C. United’s Audi Field against Arsenal, with a host of recognisable names from the US league facing off against last season’s Premier League runners-up.
The Manchester United record goalscorer’s D.C. United team sits in ninth place in the MLS Eastern Conference.
