“Erling Haaland Should Win the Ballon d’Or” – Despite Lionel Messi’s Political Advantage, Norway Legend Sides With Manchester City Star

The 2023 Ballon d’Or debate had undoubtedly taken center stage in the soccer community. Soccer fans were actively seeking a superior player between Lionel Messi and Manchester City‘s super striker after back-to-back emphatic performances in the previous season. However, a Norwegian legend picked Erling Haaland as a favored contender to claim the prestigious trophy this season.

La Pulga and the former Dortmund starlet enjoyed an illustrious year, achieving prolific goal-scoring feats and securing multiple trophies. Meanwhile, the legendary center forward also believed that Messi had a political edge to win the Golden Ball, despite backing his compatriot for the trophy.

Norwegian legend sides with his compatriot over Lionel Messi

The shortlist for the 2023 Ballon d’Or ignited fierce competition for the coveted trophy, with numerous soccer superstars being nominated. Nevertheless, Jan Age Fjortoft, the Norwegian legend, chose Erling Haaland as his top choice to win the trophy. The Cityzen striker netted 52 goals and achieved the English treble with the club, including the UEFA Champions League.

On this note, Fjørtoft remarked, “Erling Haaland should win the Ballon d’Or. I think that Erling Halland certainly won the treble. He scored goals, goals, and goals. For me, the Norwegian should win the Ballon d’Or.” But did he have a better season than Lionel Messi?

Haaland made an indelible impact on the English powerhouse, setting a multitude of records over the course of the last season. Currently, the ex-Dortmund forward is in second place in the shortlist, with Lionel Messi leading the rankings as the top favorite. On this note, Jan Age Fjortoft emphasized the significant advantage for the Argentine in this season’s Ballon d’Or.

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Does the World Cup winner have the Ballon d’Or in sight?

The ex-Barcelona icon scored 32 goals with 25 assists during the 2022-23 season. La Pulga secured his World Cup when he was at PSG. Notably, soccer pundits urged that Messi’s stint in the grandest stage of soccer provides a ‘political advantage’ in his bid to win the eighth Ballon d’Or. Furthermore, Fjørtoft added that the voting rights for the Golden Ball became available immediately following the conclusion of the 2022 World Cup final.

On the other hand, Erling Haaland posed a formidable challenge for the Argentine with his flawless time with Man City. However, Messi’s heroics both in international and club fixtures might ultimately tip the scales in favor of winning the trophy. As a result, soccer enthusiasts eagerly anticipate October 30 to witness which soccer genius will be awarded the Golden Ball for the season. Do you agree with the Norway legend’s prediction for the Ballon d’Or? Comment below and let us know.

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