‘I’m living in reality, I don’t know where he’s living,’ McIlroy said.
The 47-year-old Englishman has been one of Europe’s leading players in the event.
The Italian captained his Continental Europe side to victory over Great Britain and Ireland.
Poland’s Adrian Meronk produced the winning point.
Francesco Molinari’s team are 8.5-6.5 in front going into the 10 singles matches.
Tommy Fleetwood’s side trail 3-2 in Abu Dhabi.
Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia and Bubba Watson are among the top players to have joined LIV.
The Belgian joins Thomas Bjorn and Edoardo Molinari on Luke Donald’s staff.
Other rule changes include allowing players to replace a club that is accidentally damaged during a round.
The 35-year-old won the Barbasol Championship in 2021.