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Renowned Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has said that Lionel Messi is expected to beat Erling Haaland to the 2023 Ballon d'Or award. Both have enjoyed a remarkable season for club and country.
Balague has said that Messi is expected to be the winner of the Ballon d'Or, per Managing Barca. The journalist replied to their tweet:
"No arguments on that, no?"
Lionel Messi, 35, finally won the FIFA World Cup and did so in style, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in eight games for Argentina.
He was awarded the Golden Ball for his exploits in Qatar at the end of last year. The departing PSG attacker also bagged 21 goals and 20 assists in 41 games across competitions this season.
Many feel the Argentine hero has cemented his legacy as the greatest player of all time with his World Cup win. He also leaves the Parc des Princes for Inter Miami as a two-time Ligue 1 champion.
However, Haaland, 22, is expected to rival Messi for the Ballon d'Or considering his phenomenal debut season at Manchester City. The Norwegian striker arrived at the Etihad from Borussia Dortmund last summer.
The prolific striker had no issue adapting to life in English football, bagging 52 goals in as many games across competitions. That includes 36 goals in 35 league games, breaking the record for most goals in a single Premier League season.
Haaland has played a key role in helping City win the Premier League and FA Cup. He's looking to be a part of a treble-winning team. City will do so by beating Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday (June 10).
However, it's Messi who seems to be set to win a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or award. The legendary forward has two more awards than his longtime second-placed rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Manchester City's Bernardo Silva explains the only way Haaland could win Ballon d'Or over Lionel Messi
Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva reckons Haaland could only beat Lionel Messi to the Ballon d'Or by winning the Champions League.
The Portuguese playmaker said that Messi will only be challenged for the award by the winner of Europe's elite club competition. Silva had told France Football last month:
"If Haaland wins Premier League and Champions League, you can put him in the Ballon d'Or discussion, and you can also talk about Vini Jr. if Madrid win the Champions League."
Silva added:
"In general, it is between Messi and the winner of the Champions League, and so far, I will give it to Messi."
Silva's comments came before City beat Vinicius Junior's Real Madrid to reach the Champions League final.
A win for the Cityzens in the Champions League final will mean Haaland will win three trophies in his debut season with the club. However, that still might not be enough due to the Inter Miami-bound Messi's legacy-defining accomplishments in Qatar.
