“Not a Detriment to Erling Haaland” – Despite Falling Behind Lionel Messi in Ballon D’Or Race, Manchester City Star Not ‘Depicted Poorly,’ Claims MLS Legend

The day finally came and as expected, Lionel Messi has clinched his record 8th Ballon d’Or. Messi’s incredible run in the World Cup in which he took his country to win the prestigious cup after 36 years of exile cemented his name as the world’s best. Erling Haaland might feel robbed of his chances but the World Cup glory has always had the upper hand. However, Haaland got a great reception standing second in the race for the award and pundits admit that the snubbing is in no way a detriment to him.

The Manchester City forward though didn’t leave the stage empty-handed. Haaland won the prestigious Gerd Muller Trophy. The award was presented to him by Gary Lineker and Didier Drogba. After the award was presented, Drogba took this chance to make a surprising demand from the City forward.

The farewell that Lionel Messi deserved

This might be the last time we are seeing La Pulga being crowned the title of the world’s best. After 15+ years of dominance and changing the dynamics of the game, the little magician has completed his as he rests with a cabinet full of trophies. Pundit Shaka Hislop and Alejandro Moreno share how this Ballon d’Or has been a celebration of Messi without being negligent of Haaland’s extraordinary season.

Shedding light on the reasons as to why Messi’s win was justified, former MLS icon, Alejandro Moreno, said, “It’s not a detriment to Erling Haaland at all, it doesn’t depict Erling Haaland in a poor way whatsoever it’s just a celebration and an elevation of Lionel Messi and certainly his performance in the World Cup. People will have their own personal opinions as to what the importance of the World Cup is to me it remains the most important competition in the world”.

Moreno further added, “Much more important to me anyways than Champions League and a League campaign as well, so when it comes to this particular award, if you need to separate great from great which is what we’re doing here, I think you need to find some reasons and the reasons to me are very clear, Lionel Messi was the best player for the best team in the World Cup and therefore he deserves this award”.

Read More – “Awards Will Certainly Come in the Future” – Lionel Messi Extends Support to Erling Haaland After Winning His 8th Ballon d’Or

Despite losing out on his first Ballon d’Or, the Norwegian was backed by Lionel Messi himself to win more accolades in the future. However, it was Didier Drogba’s surprising demand that caught the attention of the fans. But what demand did he have to make to Haaland?

Drogba makes a surprise demand from Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland won the Gerd Muller trophy as he showcased his prowess as one of the best strikers of the season. Gary Lineker presented him with the award while also highlighting his impressive 56 goals during the season. Each of his goals was played during the presentation of the award.

However, the most unexpected moment of the evening came when Didier Drogba engaged Haaland in a post-award conversation. Drogba inquired about Haaland’s unique meditation celebration style after receiving the award. With a cheeky grin, Drogba explained his and Lineker’s signature celebrations and playfully challenged Haaland to replicate one for his next goal.

Watch this story: LeBron James, James Harden, Trae Young, and Other NBA Stars Give Lionel Messi His Flowers After Argentina’s FIFA World Cup Win

In response, Haaland stated that he prefers to celebrate at the moment and will decide his next celebration at the moment as well. He said he’ll be taking inspiration from both Drogba and Lineker and they’ll know more when he scores next. The light-hearted moment cheered up the audience and fans. Whose celebration do you think Haaland should do after his next goal? Let us know in the comments below.