- Michael Antonio believes it will be a “scandal” if Lionel Messi beats Erling Haaland to win the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
- Antonio said Messi’s victory would be a “scandal”.
- Messi is expected to win the Ballon d’Or for a record eighth time.
The Netherlands is the main rival.
What happens?
West Ham striker Haaland, who scored 52 goals for Manchester City last season, insisted Messi deserved the award despite leading Argentina to World Cup glory in December.
What they said: Antonio said on the footballer’s football podcast: “I understand Messi winning the World Cup is a huge thing.
But you can’t look past the team that won the treble and the team that brought Haaland for him.
record. He deserves the Ballon d’Or. “If they don’t get it, it becomes a scandal.”
Newcastle striker Callum Wilson agreed, adding: “What Haaland achieved last season cannot be understated. If you exclude international football and compare statistically…
Haaland should win the award.
“I can’t imagine Messi winning his first World Cup because he’s such a big influence, but in terms of club football, he plays in the United States, which is very different to Holland in the Premier League.”
Big picture: He’s nominated for the Ballon d’Or with Holland after breaking the Premier League goalscoring record (36 goals) and helping City win the treble. Messi, Kylian Mbappe and City team-mate Rodri.
Messi, who joined Inter Miami last July, is likely to win the award for the eighth time in his career.
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WHAT’S NEXT FOR HAALAND AND MESSI?: Messi’s season with the club has come to an end after Inter Miami failed to qualify for the MLS playoffs.
Haaland has scored nine goals in all competitions this season for City, who face Manchester United in their next Premier League game at Old Trafford.
For more updates on the Ballon d’Or, please visit sportsearchers.com
