According to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, both Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland are highly deserving of the Ballon d’Or award. Messi led Argentina to victory in the World Cup in Qatar, while Haaland contributed significantly by scoring 52 goals in 53 matches, aiding City in achieving a Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup treble.
These two outstanding players are the top favorites for the award, which is scheduled to be announced at a ceremony on October 30.
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Guardiola emphasized that both players have earned this recognition. During the international break, Haaland managed to score twice for Norway in a 4-0 victory over Cyprus, and Guardiola is hopeful that this performance will help him regain his scoring form for City, as he had gone three consecutive club games without a goal. Looking ahead, Brighton will be City’s opponents at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Despite concerns about John Stones, who featured in both of England’s internationals during the break and has only made one substitute appearance for City this season, Guardiola confirmed that he is available.
“Always I said the Ballon d’Or should be in two sections; one for Messi, then after another one so Haaland should win, yes. We won the treble, he scored a million goals. The worst season for Messi is the best for the rest of the players. Both deserve it. Realistically I want Haaland to have it cause he helped us achieve what we achieved, I would love it. But Messi won the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, Manchester City will be in action tonight against Brighton and Hove Albion from 7 PM onwards.
