Rooney says Portugal's players have not backed Ronaldo the way Argentina rallied around Messi

Former England forward Wayne Rooney said Portuguese players have not rallied around Cristiano Ronaldo in the way Argentine players have stood behind Lionel Messi, describing the difference as a long-running point of debate in the Portugal camp. Speaking to the BBC, Rooney said Messi and Ronaldo are constantly compared, but the Argentina squad unites behind its captain, while the same level of support is not visible around the Portugal side. Rooney acknowledged that Ronaldo is ageing, noting the 41-year-old was taken off in the 81st minute against Croatia in the round of 16. He pointed to substitute Gonzalo Ramos scoring the winning goal in extra time as evidence that Ronaldo's physical influence on matches is fading. Ronaldo started all five of Portugal's World Cup matches, scoring three goals. Messi, 39, has scored seven goals in four matches and is positioned as a strong contender for the Golden Boot.