“Messi’s This and Messi’s That” – Erling Haaland Told to Ditch Ballon D’or Ceremony if Lionel Messi Win His 8th Award

The Ballon d’Or 2023 nominations are out and it is expected to be a close call between Premier League’s Erling Haaland and MLS’s Lionel Messi. It is the first time in 19 years that Cristiano Ronaldo has not been nominated for the Ballon d’Or. Experts have started weighing in on who should be the winner of this year’s Ballon d’Or, and the top two favorites are Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland. In a recent interview, a former Derby County player gave his stance on what Erling Haaland should do if Lionel Messi wins this year’s Ballon d’Or.

If Lionel Messi wins it will be his 8th Ballon d’Or. Being a fan’s favorite and still filling his cabinet at the age of 38, can give Lionel Messi an edge over his nearest competitor, Erling Haaland. Taking a look at how their previous season went choosing a winner gets more complicated.

Erling Haaland hopes to win his first Ballon d’Or

Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland have both had an incredible season. While one is a legend the other is following the same path. It could be the year for the Norwegian soccer star who’s had a fairytale debut season with Manchester City. In an interview with ESPN, Craig Burley, a former player of English club Derby County shared his thoughts on what should Erling Haaland do if he’s not presented with the Ballon d’Or.

Craig Burley said, “Messi won the World Cup, Messi’s this, Messi’s that and they’ll just hand him another one. If I was that (Erling Haaland) awesome, I’d never go back to another Ballon d’Or in my life same as Robert Lewandowski.”

An infuriated Burley couldn’t hold his feelings back as he believes Haaland should be the outright winner. His reference to Lewandowski dates back to COVID when the competition was canceled. Lewandowski had a great season and was the first choice for bagging the Ballon d’Or.

Read more – “If Erling Haaland Doesn’t Win This, Close the Shop” – Soccer Pundit Boldly States Lionel Messi Doesn’t Deserve His 8th Ballon d’Or, and Backs the Manchester City Star

This time though both the top choices have achieved incredible feats in their careers. But who should be the winner?

Haaland on the path to supremacy

Erling Haaland has had a crazy season at Manchester City. He has won the FA Cup, Premier League, and UEFA Champions League completing the treble in what was his debut season. He also won the European Golden Boot. The Norwegian scored a record-breaking 36 goals to become the Premier League Player of the Year. He was also the top scorer in the Champions League with 12 goals.

Lionel Messi is the favorite to win the Ballon d’Or after winning the World Cup in Qatar. He was the MVP in the final and also won the World Cup Golden Ball. He also received the Silver Boot scoring 7 goals and providing 3 assists. The Argentinian was also crowned as the League 1 champion.

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After having such a season it is undeniable that Haaland deserves the award considering the number of accolades he has won. But, Lionel Messi’s fulfilling World Cup win is more hard-hitting for some. Winner or not, Haaland is one of the best players this game has witnessed in a long time and we are in for a lot more. How many goals do you think Haaland will score next season? Let us know in the comments below.