Erling Haaland Shockingly Ditched by Manchester City Star for Lionel Messi in Ballon d’Or Race

Manchester City and Norway striker Erling Haaland is a strong contender for this year’s Ballon d’Or award. However, as per rumors surrounding the winner of this year’s edition of the coveted trophy, it looks like World Cup winner Lionel Messi is most likely to win it. But not many expected this to be the viewpoint of Haaland’s own teammate.

The Norwegian frontman top-scored in Europe last season scoring 52 goals in 53 games massively overperforming his xG of 41.72 leading Man City to an iconic treble win. His remarkable season has put him in strong contention for the Ballon d’Or since. But in an interview recently, Haaland’s City teammate and Spain midfielder Rodri has suggested that he thinks Messi will win the award.

Erling Haaland’s Man City teammate Rodri backs Messi to win Ballon d’Or

In a recent interview, the Man City midfielder Rodri has spoken out about who he thinks will win the Ballon d’Or. Despite his teammate top scoring in Europe and leading City to the treble, Rodri has backed Messi to win the fabled award. In the interview, as reported by AlbicelesteTalk on X, Rodri said, “Who’s going to win the Ballon d’Or? For me, I think Lionel Messi is going to win it.”

These comments from Rodri shortly after Norway failed to qualify for Euro 2024. Despite the towering Norwegian forward Haaland equalling German legend Gerd Muller’s record, Norway was dumped out of qualification for the Euros next year. Haaland scored 27 goals in his first 27 international games equalling a record made by Gerd Muller in 1970, becoming the first player to match it 53 years later.

However, Haaland and Norway couldn’t win their crunch game against Spain and eventually lost 1-0 to La Roja on the night, ending their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2024.

Also read: “Any Ball He Touches…Can Be a Goal” – As Erling Haaland Ends Goal Drought With a New Record, 26YO Spanish Star Warns Teammates Ahead of Norway Clash

Haaland fires blank as Norway’s Euro 2024 hopes vanish after loss against Spain

Both Man City teammates Haaland and Rodri faced off in the crunch Group A Euro 2024 qualifier between Norway and Spain on a cold night in Oslo. Spain captain Alvaro Morata was instrumental in Spain’s win on the night, drawing plaudits, and was even likened to NBA legend Scottie Pippen by an ESPN FC pundit.

A goal from Gavi sealed Spain’s spot in the Euros next year after he scored following a lot of confusion in the box as the ball bobbled around. The Barcelona youngster scored what was the decisive goal that gave Spain the win on the night.

Haaland, however, fed off scraps all game and couldn’t score against Spain despite a late surge by Norway towards the end of the match. For now, it looks like it’s back to concentrating on his club soccer this season for Haaland, and it seems as though he could lose the Ballon d’Or to Messi as well.

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