"Up to a couple of years ago, people were saying Messi wasn't Maradona because he hadn't won the World Cup. In my mind, Messi is a better player than Maradona. But that's how football is," Rooney was quoted as saying by goal.com on Friday.
Rooney said he can become an England legend like Sir Bobby Charlton, but knows it will take a World Cup win for that to happen.
The 29-year-old will surpass Charlton's 49-goal haul for England if he manages to score twice against San Marino on Saturday and help Roy Hodgson's side inch closer towards securing their place at Euro 2016.
The Manchester United star has not given up hope of leading England to glory at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
"It's about trophies you win. As a team, that's how you're judged. Sir Bobby did that. Hopefully there's still time for me to be successful like that," Rooney said.
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