- Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insists that the 2023 Ballon d’Or should go to Erling Haaland
- Haaland is facing a tough competition from Messi
- Messi, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, was a vital part of Argentina’s World Cup victory
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insists that the 2023 Ballon d’Or should go to Erling Haaland adding that Lionel Messi deserves a special category of the international football award.
Haaland is facing tough competition from Messi who is now an Inter Miami star and is among the 30 footballers nominated for the prestigious award this year.
Messi, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, was a vital part of Argentina’s World Cup victory in 2022 while still a member of Paris St. Germain (PSG).
However, Guardiola insists that the City striker deserves the prestigious football award because has an impeccable 52 goals scored in 53 matches he played.
According to the Spanish manager, Haaland was crucial to City’s UEFA 2022/23 victory. He is optimistic that Haaland will win this year’s award out of the 30 shortlisted candidates.
Erling Haaland against Bayern Munich. |PHOTO: Manchester City|
“Haaland should win – Yes. We won the treble and he scored 50 million goals,” Guardiola said.
He adds that Messi deserves to win in a different category and not the usual one because he is too good and lucky when it comes to the Ballon d’Or.
“The Ballon d’Or has to be two sections. One for Messi, and after look for the others. The worst season of Messi is the best for the rest,” he implores.
Messi expressed his profound appreciation for winning the Ballon d’Or seven times, describing it as “extraordinary” and the realization of a “cherished dream.”
He conveyed his immense pride in this accomplishment, considering it a remarkable honour. During a post-award interview following his seventh Ballon d’Or victory in 2021, Messi said it was an incredible dream come true.
Winning the 2021 Ballon d’Or made his dream wilder because he never imagined that he would ever win this award in the first place.
Messi also emphasized that securing the Ballon d’Or serves as a strong motivation for him to persistently work hard and elevate his performance.
He expressed his determination to pursue more Ballon d’Or titles and to maintain his status as the world’s foremost footballer.
Fast forward to the 2023 season, Haaland continues with his sterling performance scoring eight goals in 12 matches City has played so far.
Pep Guardiola. Photo by SkySports
The Ballon d’Or stands as the pinnacle of individual recognition in football. It is an annual honour bestowed upon the player who, based on votes from football journalists and national team captains and coaches, is deemed to have excelled in the previous year.
Its prestige is underpinned by several key factors. Firstly, it boasts a storied heritage, dating back to its inaugural presentation in 1956. This extensive history elevates it to one of the most esteemed accolades in the world of sports.
Secondly, the Ballon d’Or relies on the discerning judgment of football experts and professionals rather than the fandom. This approach underscores its gravitas.
Thirdly, it maintains an exclusive reputation as the award reserved for the world’s preeminent player, an aspiration of every footballer.
Firstly, it boasts a storied heritage, dating back to its inaugural presentation in 1956. This extensive history elevates it to one of the most esteemed accolades in the world of sports.
Secondly, the Ballon d’Or relies on the discerning judgment of football experts and professionals, rather than the fandom. This approach underscores its gravitas.
Thirdly, it maintains an exclusive reputation as the award reserved for the world’s preeminent player, an aspiration of every footballer.
Messi has the highest number of the award followed by Cristiano Ronaldo who has five Ballon d’Or titles.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login