Wayne Rooney bows to Messi as 'best in the world'

WAYNE Rooney has hailed Barcelona's Lionel Messi as the world's best player.

The Manchester United striker, who is likely to miss the remainder of the Premier League campaign with a groin injury picked up in training last week, was set to collect the PFA player-of-the-year award last night.

His 34 goals this season have elevated him among the world's best and there are plenty who think the 24-year-old deserves the ultimate accolade.

However, Rooney said: "It's nice that people put me up there but I think Lionel Messi is the best in the world."