ESPNsoccernet: Europe

Lionel Messi has said he would relish the opportunity to play alongside Wayne Rooney and Gareth Bale in the future.

Lionel Messi praised both Wayne Rooney and Gareth Bale (Associated)

The Barcelona star, speaking at the opening of a museum in the city at which fans can see trophies and awards he has won, praised Manchester United's Rooney and Tottenham's Bale for their performances.

Rooney - whose future has been the subject of speculation after he was dropped to the bench for the Champions League defeat at home to Real Madrid - and Bale have both been linked with moves to European clubs.

And Messi said: "Wayne Rooney and Gareth Bale are both great players - they are doing so well for their clubs - and I always want to play with the best players.

"I have to be careful what I say, because I can't see them leaving their teams soon. But of course I want to play with the best players."