Kylian Mbappe on Lionel Messi’s 8th Ballon d’Or Win Over Haaland: “He Deserves It”

• Lionel Messi won his record-extending 8th Ballon d'Or last month
• He beat competition from Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to win
• Mbappe has given his thoughts on the win amid aftermath controversy

Kylian Mbappe is one of the professional footballers who does not subscribe to the opinion that Lionel Messi does not deserve the Ballon d'Or ahead of Erling Haaland.

Messi won his record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or, edging out competition from Mbappe and treble-winning Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.

The Inter Miami star helped Argentina to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar – the only trophy eluding his illustrious career, beating France on penalties in the final.

His triumph generated many controversies, with fans claiming Haaland was robbed and should have scooped the award for the season he had with Man City.

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Mbappe claims Messi deserves Ballon d'Or

The France international was Messi's teammate at Paris Saint-Germain when he was assessed to win the Golden Ball and not reach the World Cup final.

Speaking to L’Equipe ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifier games against Gibraltar and Greece, he shared his opinion on his former teammate’s award.

“Messi had to win it, he won the World Cup, he’s one of the greatest in history, if not the greatest for me,” he said.

“Haaland had a great season, me too... but next to winning a World Cup, it doesn't weigh much. On the night of 18th December, I knew that I had lost the World Cup… and Ballon d’Or too. Leo deserved it.”

The Norwegian striker, alongside Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, are some of the early contenders for next year’s award.

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Messi beat Haaland by 105 points

Sports Brief reported on Messi winning the 2023 Ballon d'Or ahead of Erling Haaland by a 105-point margin after France Football released the voting details.

The World Cup winner had 462 points, while the Manchester City striker had 357 points. Both men received number 1 votes from their countries, Argentina and Norway, respectively.

Suarez challenges Messi for 9th Ballon d'Or

Sports Brief has also reported on former teammate and friend Luis Suarez challenging Messi to win his ninth Ballon d'Or and not stop at eight.

Suarez commented on Messi's post on Instagram, celebrating his achievements and cheekily asked him to go for more as he deserves that.