In a Jab to Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo Points at Erling Haaland as the ‘Best Player’ During Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai

Despite winning the treble with Manchester City, the goal machine, Erling Haaland fell short against Lionel Messi, not once, but twice. The 2023 Ballon d’Or jury considered the period of Messi’s World Cup win, hence the Norwegian missed out. Then, FIFA chose him as ‘The Best’ Men’s player, despite not taking his World Cup win into account. For the latter achievement, soccer circles argue that Haaland was robbed and his treble was overlooked. However, the Globe Soccer Awards held in Dubai chose the lethal striker as the best. So did Cristiano Ronaldo!

He was so convinced of Haaland’s brilliant campaign that he pointed towards the latter, implying he was the best of the year. This gesture came before the panelists even announced that the Cityzen won the Best Men’s Player award for 2023. Besides, the Globe Soccer Awards panel did not even nominate Lionel Messi, at a time when has been winning everything. Cristiano Ronaldo’s wholehearted adulation of the City striker seems to be a subtle way of taking a dig at his arch-rival, Messi.

Days ago, CR7 famously posted his picture on Instagram, saying “Back for more,” immediately after Messi won the FIFA honor. He also did not vote for the same. We have to also remember that Haaland beat Ronaldo to win the honor in Dubai. However, the Portuguese man had his fair share of praise as he was ‘proud‘ of himself for surpassing the Norwegian to become last year’s top scorer.

“I was the best goalscorer this season, imagine beating young animals like Haaland… I’m proud. And I’ll be 39 soon,” he said. If Cristiano Ronaldo is proud of beating Haaland, it means the latter has earned his stripes from one of the game’s greatest. The Portugal skipper did not stop there. He saved some praise for Manchester City as well.

Cristiano Ronaldo applauds Haaland and Co. at Manchester City

“Manchester City did amazing. Congratulations on their season. Players, coach. Superb. Finally, they win the Champions League, they probably deserved it two years ago. I enjoy seeing them playing,” Cristiano Ronaldo said. Years ago, the Portuguese superstar praising Pep Guardiola seemed like a distant dream. But now that the Spaniard has won the treble and recently conquered the world, his old rival couldn’t help but applaud.

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Save Ronaldo, anyone who loves soccer would enjoy seeing Guardiola and Co. stomp. Now, the treble winners are back at it. Having gone behind on the Premier League table, they have upped their ante to become the second-seeded team. The Cityzens or Real Madrid are widely anticipated to win the UEFA Champions League this year. City is only short of Haaland, who is yet to recover from an ankle injury. Upon his return, he will once again compete with Ronaldo, who promised to chase glory in 2024 as well!

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