England legend Wayne Rooney didn’t mince words when asked about FIFA‘s first-ever World Cup final halftime show.

The former D.C. United player and head coach delivered a brutally honest review during the BBC’s post-match coverage of the showpiece between Spain and Argentina.

Rooney dismissed the star-studded spectacle as “cr-p” and admitted that not even the nostalgic “Macarena” performance could win him over.

Wayne Rooney Delivers Brutal Verdict On Halftime Show

Wayne Rooney wasn’t impressed by FIFA’s history-making halftime spectacle during the World Cup final. While millions watched performances from Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and other A-list stars, the former Manchester United icon dismissed the show without hesitation during the BBC’s post-match coverage.

“I like a lot of them artists, but I thought it was cr-p,” Rooney bluntly told host Gabby Logan, before doubling down: “I did, honestly… I like Bieber, I like Shakira; I thought it was too flat.”

Logan laughed off the awkward moment, joking that viewers were getting “honest reviews” on the BBC, but Rooney wasn’t finished. Asked whether the crowd-pleasing performance of the “Macarena” had won him over, the former England captain admitted it “just didn’t get me going.”

‘Ted Lasso’ Crashes FIFA’s Halftime Show In Surprise Cameo

As well as the presence of music’s biggest names at the World Cup final halftime show, the inaugural event also delivered an unexpected TV crossover. Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt briefly revived their beloved “Ted Lasso” characters, stepping onto the stage as Ted Lasso and Coach Beard to introduce Justin Bieber in a tongue-in-cheek substitution skit.

Playing into the soccer theme, Hunt raised a substitution board featuring the initials “JB” alongside a “BELIEBE” sign, while Sudeikis joked to the pop superstar, “Go out there, don’t be nervous, nobody’s watching,” before Bieber launched into his performance.

The cameo marked a timely return for the Emmy-winning Apple TV+ comedy, which follows an American football coach unexpectedly hired to manage fictional Premier League club AFC Richmond. The appearance also doubled as a promotional nod to the series’ long-awaited fourth season, set to premiere on Aug. 3 after a three-year hiatus following Season 3.

Wayne Rooney Says Messi Was ‘Robbed’ Of World Cup Golden Boot

Rooney also ignited debate over the World Cup’s individual honors, arguing Lionel Messi was unfairly denied the Golden Boot despite leading Argentina to the final. The former teenage sensation questioned whether Kylian Mbappé’s two goals in France’s third-place playoff defeat to England should have counted toward the tournament’s top scorer award.

“France were already out,” Rooney said during the BBC’s coverage. “Those goals shouldn’t count. They do count, but I think it’s very unfair on Messi.”

Ahead of the final, Mbappé led the Golden Boot race with ten goals after scoring twice in the bronze-medal match against England, leaving Messi needing a brace against Spain just to draw level. Argentina ultimately fell 1-0 after extra time, handing Mbappé the Golden Boot and making him the first player to win the award twice.

Rooney Hit The Hudson River To Honor World Cup Bet

Rooney proved he was a man of his word after making good on a viral World Cup promise sparked by Norway’s stunning upset over Brazil. The coach-turned-pundit had vowed to row down River Mersey in England if Norway pulled off the unlikely victory in the Round of 16. 

After the Scandinavians delivered, Rooney honored the bet in New York instead. He was joined by fellow pundits Joe Hart and Micah Richards and drew cheers from fans gathered along the waterfront.

“I loved it. The fans were brilliant, so we’ve done it out of respect for the fans,” Rooney said after completing the challenge.

The stunt also paid homage to Norway supporters, and their popular Viking-themed rowing celebrations at the World Cup, per the BBC.

Wayne Rooney Roasts FIFA Chief’s World Cup Final Outfit

Rooney’s blunt reviews of the World Cup didn’t stop with the halftime show. He also took aim at FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the trophy presentation, mocking the football chief’s decision to wear trainers with a tailored suit. 

“Stupid,” Rooney said, drawing laughter from the studio after Joe Hart joked that Infantino was Rooney’s golf partner.

The lighthearted jab came as Trump and the FIFA president received a mixed reception from supporters inside the stadium before presenting Spain with the World Cup trophy. The European nation sealed its second World Cup title after Ferran Torres struck the decisive extra-time winner in a tense 1-0 victory over Argentina.

The England Legend Wayne Rooney Calls World Cup Halftime Show ‘Cr-p’ first appeared on The Blast