After Picking MLS Over Saudi Pro League, Victor Osimhen Reaffirms Pep Guardiola’s Ballon d’Or Claim on Lionel Messi & Erling Haaland

Victor Osimhen had the season of his life in 2022/2023. His contribution played a key role in Napoli winning their first league title in over 33 years. With 31 goals in 39 matches, Osimhen is a strong candidate for the Ballon’D’Or himself. However, he has remained modest in his chances of winning soccer’s most coveted prize. Instead, he has made a different take on who should be crowned as the Golden Ball Winner. An opinion that legendary soccer coach Pep Guardiola agrees with.

Osimhen also made the comparison between the MLS and the Saudi Pro League. Despite preferring the MLS, the Nigerian striker also had good words regarding the Saudis. He said, “They are trying to develop their league, which is good. One [Ronaldo] of the greatest of all time has gone there. Because of his [Ronaldo’s] influence, they have attracted a lot of talented players to also go there. So for me it’s really good, they are trying to build their league into one of the best. For me, they are doing something amazing.” 

Does Victor Osimhen and Pep Guardiola’s opinion make sense?

If Osimhen maintains the form he displayed, he too could rack up a few Ballon d’Ors himself. However this season, he states that Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi deserve it more. Following their performance levels last season, Osimhen couldn’t help but agree with the words of Pep Guardiola. He said “I think the two people that are sure to win it are Haaland and Messi,” the 24-year-old said in an interview (via Napoli Magazine). “They both deserve it, they had an amazing season. Messi won the World Cup, Haaland won the treble.”

Considering that Messi has won half of the last 14 Ballon d’Ors, it would allow for other players to be appreciated for their seasons. The fact that Guardiola put Messi along with his player, who delivered an unprecedented first Champions League title to Manchester City, is extraordinary.

However, Lionel Messi is in the twilight of his career. Is it worth creating a new award for the last few Messi seasons? Or should France Football allow the new generation of stars like Haaland, and Osimhen, a shot at the golden ball? Either way, a record 8th Ballon d’Or could elevate Messi to one of soccer’s most unique achievements.

Read More: One [Ballon d’Or] For Messi and One For the Others” – Pep Guardiola Dishes Bizarre Verdict Snubbing Erling Haaland

Can Messi win the Super Ballon d’Or?

The Super Ballon d’Or is awarded to the best player of the last 30 years. Considering, Messi has already received a Ballon d’Or in 3 separate decades, there is a big chance that he could win a Super Ballon d’Or.

If he does, he will join former Argentina/Spain Legend Alfredo Di Stefano in an elite list that currently starts and ends with him. It’s also interesting to note that, Johan Cruyff, an unparalleled influence in Messi’s career finished second in the Super Ballon d’Or ranking.

Do you agree with Osimhen and Guardiola regarding their unique Ballon d’Or opinion? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Watch this story: Not Ballon d’Or but Super Ballon d’Or is the Rarest Award in History, Awarded Just Once