Former Barcelona legend Lionel Messi is one of the most decorated players the world has ever seen. The 36-year-old has won almost every single trophy that football has to offer, creating a legacy that will remain untouched for years.
Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or, the most prestigious award a player can receive, on seven different occasions, more than anyone else in history. There is no doubt that the Argentine has had an illustrious career, and he is now all set to win another one for his amazing performances in the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Ronaldo wants Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d’Or
Due to his seventeen-year stint at FC Barcelona, Lionel Messi has collected a lot of haters from the club’s rivals, Real Madrid. Most Los Blancos players and fans believe that Manchester City ace Erling Haaland deserves the award more than the 36-year-old, but there is someone who has a different opinion.
Former Real Madrid striker Ronaldo Nazario thinks that Leo is the right choice for the 2023 Ballon d’Or. The Brazilian legend talked about Lionel Messi’s performance in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, saying that it reminded him of football goliaths Pele and Maradona. “The Ballon d’Or should go to him [Lionel Messi], without a doubt. What Messi did in the World Cup was special. It reminded me of the campaigns of Pelé and Maradona,” he said.
Messi to beat Haaland at Ballon d’Or 2023 as per rumors
Though the 2023 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced on Monday, October 30, rumors of Lionel Messi bagging another one have already started to surface. There is no doubt that Messi is a strong contender for the title. The Argentine winger played a key role in his country’s World Cup victory last year. He was without a doubt the best player on the field, which also got him the prestigious Golden Ball Award.
Erling Haaland could not work his miracle in the World Cup as Norway didn’t make it to the tournament, but the striker surely outshines Leo when it comes to club statistics. The 2022–23 season saw an unstoppable Haaland; he scored 36 goals in his 35 Premier League appearances and also got Manchester City a Champions League title by netting 12 goals in the tournament. The Sky Blues got their hands on a treble with their new signing, and all these stats are enough to make Erling a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or.
Though Haaland’s numbers look impressive, according to Spanish media outlet SPORT, Lionel Messi is going to lift the award this year.
Who is the deserving winner of the 2023 Ballon d’Or in your opinion? Make sure to tell us in the comments section.
