Man City boss Pep Guardiola opens up on Erling Haaland vs Lionel Messi battle for Ballon d’Or

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is one of the favorites for the 2023 Ballon d’Or, but reports suggest Lionel Messi will win an eighth trophy.

Pep Guardiola remained impartial when asked whether Erling Haaland or Lionel Messi would win the Ballon d’Or this year.

Haaland scored 52 goals for Manchester City last season, leading them to their first Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League titles to complete a brilliant treble. In most seasons, such a record would make Haaland a strong candidate for the Golden Ball. However, Messi’s miraculous role in helping Argentina win the World Cup has made him a favorite.

With some reports suggesting Messi will overtake Haaland to win the award, Guardiola has been asked to name an individual winner amid his current tally.9 and the player who represents his incredible time at Barcelona.

Aware of the difficult choice presented to him, Guardiola smiled and replied: “You’re funny. I always say that the Ballon d’Or should be divided into two parts: one for Messi and one for everyone else .”

Discussing the debate in more detail, he accepted that Haaland’s form would lead to the award for best player in the world – but also reiterated that Messi’s qualities will always help him perform at the highest level. higher level than any other player.

“Haaland should win. We won the treble because he scored 52 goals,” he said. “But of course Messi if you tell me the worst season is the best for the rest of the players. Both deserve it.

“Egotistically I would say I want Erling because he helped us to achieve what we achieved. I would love it but I won’t tell you it’s unfair if Leo wins.”

City have seven players up for the award with Haaland, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Ruben Dias, Julian Alvarez, Bernardo Silva and Josko Gvardiol on the 30-man shortlist, as well as former captain Ilkay Gundogan.

Guardiola added: “It’s nice that many players for Man City will be there for the first time in many years and challenging for these trophies. That makes us so proud for our organisation.”