Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has voiced his belief that both Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland are deserving candidates for this year’s Ballon d’Or award, which honors the world’s best soccer player.
Messi, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, realized his lifelong dream by leading Argentina to victory at last year’s World Cup. Meanwhile, Haaland enjoyed a prolific debut season with Manchester City, helping the club secure a treble of trophies, including the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup titles, while scoring an impressive 52 goals.
Guardiola, who previously coached Messi at Barcelona and frequently referred to him as the greatest player of all time, finds it impossible to distinguish between the two players as the Ballon d’Or winner will be announced on October 30.
Messi’s worst season is the best of most players, says Guardiola
“I always said that the Ballon d’Or had to be of two sections — one for Messi and one for the others,” remarked the City manager on Friday. “Haaland should win. We won the treble because he scored 52 goals but, of course, Messi — his worst season is the best of most players. Both deserve it.”
Guardiola admitted his personal preference, stating, “Egotistically, I would say I want Erling because he helped us to achieve what we achieved, I would love it, but I won’t tell you it’s unfair if Leo wins.”
Messi concluded his European soccer journey at the end of the previous season when he joined MLS side Inter Miami. In a short time, he led the team to its first trophy, the Leagues Cup.
Messi, Ronaldo share 12 Ballon d’Or awards since 2008
For over a decade, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the Ballon d’Or voting, sharing 12 awards between them since 2008. However, with the emergence of young talents like Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe, who won the World Cup with France, there is anticipation that they will take over as the sport’s biggest icons as Messi and Ronaldo enter the later stages of their careers.
Mbappe, another standout talent, has yet to secure the Ballon d’Or or the Champions League trophy, despite his notable achievements in the game.
