Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has had his say on the Ballon d’Or battle between Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi. The Spaniard admitted he would love for Haaland to win the prestigious trophy, but Messi was more likely to nick the Norweigian in the race.
Guardiola made the statement ahead of City’s Premier League match against Brighton after the end of the international break. The UCL winning manager quipped that there should be two sections while handing the Ballon d’Or trophy.
“The Ballon d’Or has to be two sections. One for Messi, and after look for the others,” said Guardiola.
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However, reflecting on the treble that City won, Guardiola put his weight behind Haaland who played a major part in achieving the improbable task.
“Haaland should win – Yes. We won the treble and he scored 50, I don’t know, a million goals. But of course, if you tell me the worst Messi season? That’s the best for the rest of the players. Both deserve it, what can I say?” he said.
“I want Haaland to have it because he helped us achieve what we achieved. But Messi won the World Cup. It’s good that players here are up for the award, it makes us so proud.”
A couple of Barcelona players like Ilkay Gundogan and Robert Lewandowski are also among the nominees for the Ballon d’Or. But all signs point towards one of Messi or Haaland taking the prize home.
