Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi (Argentina 13/2 to win the World Cup) has revealed that he wants to go toe to toe with England’s Wayne Rooney in the final of the World Cup.
The World Player of the Year would relish the chance to play the Three Lions key player on the biggest stage.
Messi has had an excellent season with Barca, scoring 47 goals in 53 appearances, and wants to transfer his good form to the international scene.
England are high up on the list of teams the 22-year-old would like to face at this summer’s tournament in South Africa and Rooney is the type of player he wants compete against.
He said: “It would be great to play against Rooney, although I don’t think I would see much of him because we mostly play at opposite ends of the pitch.
“For me, England have a good balance. They look very dangerous when Peter Crouch plays with Rooney up front. I like Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, too, but Rooney will be the key.
“It would be good to play against him in South Africa – preferably in the final, if that is possible,” he added.
Messi is currently preparing for the World Cup with the Argentina squad before their first match of the competition against Nigeria on June 12, the same day England face the USA (England 4/9, draw 3/1, USA 6/1).
The last time Argentina lifted the World Cup trophy was in Mexico in 1986 when they beat England in the quarter-finals thanks to the infamous ‘hand of God’ goal by Diego Maradona.
Messi has been referred to as the next Maradona and will be hoping to beat the English, like his predecessor, if the teams play.
The playmaker has revealed his admiration for the England players and the Premier League.
He said: “I know there is a lot of history between England and Argentina, but I also know our players admire the English game.
“Mentally they are strong, and they have good quality players. Capello has made them strong, I have seen them play many times on TV and I have been impressed with England.
Messi also believes that Spain, Brazil and Italy all have good chances of winning the final which takes place in Johannesburg on July 11.
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