Lionel Messi overtook his Portuguese rival Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of the Ballon d’Or Award on Monday in Paris, extending his lead with the 8th honor of his career, while Ronaldo has five to his name.
Al Nassr star Ronaldo failed to make it into the top 30 list of nominations for the award after dominating the ranks and breaking his 20-year nomination streak. Now Piers Morgans has weighed in, stating that Erling Haaland was a more deserving candidate this year.
Piers Morgan throws shade at Messi’s 8th Ballon d’Or
The renowned British broadcaster and media personality, Piers Morgan, who interviewed various players and global celebrities on his TV show called “Piers Morgan Uncensored,” has voiced his thoughts on Lionel Messi’s recent accolade in France.
Morgan believes that the entire procedure of the Golden Ball Award is rigged, and Messi is not a fair recipient of the title this year, must have won two fewer. He also stated that Cristiano Ronaldo deserved two more titles in a fair manner, as Piers Morgan wrote on the social media platform X.
He tweeted saying, “Messi preposterously winning the Ballon d’Or this year is yet more proof that the whole ‘Golden Ball’ system is rigged. He should have won 2 fewer, Cristiano Ronaldo should have won 2 more”.
Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United to join the Saudi Pro League after falling out with Red Devil boss Eric ten Hag. Ronaldo slammed the Dutch manager in a chat with Morgan on his TV show.
Morgan favors Haaland over Messi
Lionel Messi was voted as the ‘Best player in the world’ for 2023 by the journalists from the top 100 FIFA world rankings, mainly due to his performance in the World Cup. He received the award for a record eighth time, beating Erling Haaland, who did not receive enough votes to finish first above Messi, thus missing out on his first-ever title on Monday.
As per Piers Morgan’s claims, Haaland was the rightful winner for this year’s Ballon d’Or, and the whole criteria of award declaration is biased. He tweeted, stating, that Haaland should have won this year instead of Lionel Messi.
Previously, West Ham United striker Michael Antonio voiced his opinion in favor of the Manchester City striker, stating that Haaland was a more deserving candidate and labeling it a scandal if anyone else wins the Ballon d’Or 2023.
