Ballon d’Or 2023: Why Erling Haaland Is Big a Threat for Lionel Messi

• Erling Haaland could prevent Argentine legend Lionel Messi from winning his eighth Ballon d’Or
• He won a treble with Manchester City last season and beat Messi to the UEFA Player of the Year
• Haaland seems to be a threat for Messi in the race for this year’s biggest individual football prize

The 2023 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony is slated for October 30 and there is continued anxiety and excitement regarding who takes home the prestigious title this year.

Having won the gong a record seven times, Lionel Messi's potential eighth Ballon d’Or is threatened by Erling Haaland, who was named the UEFA Player of the Year on August 31.

The Argentine veteran undoubtedly established himself as one of the favourites to claim this year’s title after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar last December.

However, Haaland has been spectacular, playing a pivotal role in Manchester City’s European treble and by virtue of his individual records alone, the Norwegian is a major threat.

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Messi was also a nominee for the UEFA Player of the Year Award but the City goal machine edged ahead of the Argentine legend and his club teammate, Kevin de Bruyne.

It should be noted that the trophy is theoretically awarded to 'a player playing for a European football club'.

That player must have been outstanding in the past season, especially in competitions organised by UEFA, such as the Champions League or the Euro, or a European championship.

And here is the case: Messi failed to replicate his incredible form with PSG in the Champions League.

According to an analysis by French Football Weekly, even though Karim Benzema won a double in 2021 the same way Luka Modric did in 2018, as did Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the past, the UEFA Player of the Year award does not necessarily herald the winner of the Ballon d’Or.

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So it was with Virgil van Dijk in 2019 and Jorginho in 2021, in a vote where Messi was not even on the podium. This did not prevent him from winning his record-extending seventh Ballon d’Or.

Messi still has Ballon d'Or edge

Sports Brief also reported on why Messi has the Ballon d'or edge over Haaland ahead of the awards ceremony at the end of October.

Despite a record-breaking season with Man City, the Norwegian could be outdone by the Argentine's win at the World Cup last year.