Lionel Messi lauds Manchester United star Wayne Rooney, saying 'there is nobody like him'

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Wayne Rooney became England's highest ever goalscorer on Tuesday
Lionel Messi believes the England captain is 'a once in a generation player'
Messi says Rooney's record will make him eager to win Euro 2016
READ: Manchester United players rebel against Louis van Gaal

Published: 03:55 EST, 10 September 2015 | Updated: 08:20 EST, 10 September 2015

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Lionel Messi has heaped praise upon Wayne Rooney after the Manchester United striker became England's highest ever scorer with 50 goals in 107 games.

Rooney, the England captain, scored a penalty in the 84th minute against Switzerland in a Euro 2016 qualifier at Wembley on Tuesday to surpass Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 49 goals, which stood for 45 years.

And Barcelona star Messi has been quick to praise Rooney for reaching the landmark, saying there is nobody else like him in football.

Wayne Rooney has been described as 'one of the strongest players' that Lionel Messi has played against

Barcelona star Messi (centre) also said that United's Rooney (left) is 'a once in a generation player'

Rooney (centre) scored in the 84th minute at Wembley on Tuesday to reach goal No 50 for England

'Wayne Rooney is for me a once in a generation player. One of those special players, who is not comparable to any other,' Messi is quoted as saying in The Daily Mirror.

'There are many special players, but Rooney has exceptional quality and technical ability as well as being one of the strongest players I have faced with an exceptional work rate - there is nobody like him.'

Messi believes that Rooney's scoring record will increase his motivation for glory at Euro 2016.

Messi (centre) said that Rooney is like him and personal records mean nothing compared to team success

Messi believes that Rooney's record will now make him more focused on winning silverware with England

'Rooney is a winner. He will just be focused on success with England in the European Championship.

'I have always said the same is true of myself and Argentina — breaking caps and goals records mean nothing unless they come with trophies. Like I say, Wayne is a winner. It will always be the team first and personal records second.'