The race for Ballon d’Or 2023 is more heated than ever and the debate over who deserves to be crowned the best football player in the world is reaching its peak. Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland are the two names that stand out the most in this competition, and opinions are divided as to who is most deserving of this prestigious award.
West Ham’s Michail Antonio was one of the first to come to Haaland’s defense, saying the Norwegian deserves the award due to his spectacular performance at Manchester City last season. With 52 goals scored and the ‘treble’ achieved with his club, Haaland has proven himself to be an unstoppable force on the club football scene. Newcastle’s Callum Wilson agreed, pointing out that when it comes to club performances, Haaland excelled in the Premier League, one of the most competitive leagues in the world.
However, one cannot ignore the incredible feat of Lionel Messi, who led Argentina to victory at the World Cup in December. Winning the World Cup is a dream for any player and is an important milestone in their career. Messi has demonstrated his undeniable class and skills on the international stage, leaving many fans and pundits to argue that he deserves the Ballon d’Or for this remarkable achievement.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 21: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami reacts during the second half of the game against Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images)
The question here is: what has the most weight in choosing the Ballon d’Or winner? Exceptional performances at club level, like Haaland, who broke records and led his team to impressive victories, or successes on the international stage, like Messi’s World Cup triumph?
This rivalry is healthy for the world of football as it shows that there is world-class talent competing at the highest level and opinions can vary widely. The Ballon d’Or has always sparked heated debate, and whoever wins, it’s important to remember that Messi and Haaland are both exceptional players in their own right.
The award will be based on votes from journalists and experts, and the final decision could continue to be a topic of discussion among football fans. One thing is certain though: the quality and talent of players like Messi and Haaland raise the level of the sport, making it even more exciting for us all. After all, in such a hotly contested race, the real winner is football and its passionate fans.
