Haaland won a spectacular treble with Man City, is the Premier League’s top scorer, but it is still predicted that it will be difficult to beat Messi in the 2023 Golden Ball race. Why?
The Norwegian striker had a great first campaign at the Etihad, and Pep Guardiola’s men made history with a hat-trick of titles: Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.
Erling Haaland, at the age of 22, has emerged as the top scorer in the Premier League, netting an impressive 32 goals, and has been recognized as the best player of the season by the organizers. Additionally, Haaland has also excelled in the 2022/23 Champions League, leading the goal-scoring charts with 12 goals. In total, he has scored an incredible 52 goals for Manchester City across all competitions this season.
However, despite his remarkable goal-scoring prowess, Haaland has faced criticism from fans who argue that he has been relatively silent in crucial matches. This has led to a prevailing sentiment that he has yet to prove himself as the rightful recipient of the 2023 Golden Ball.
On the other hand, Lionel Messi, with his enduring popularity, continues to captivate supporters worldwide. His consistent performances, ability to influence games, and impact on his team have solidified his standing as a football icon. While Haaland’s achievements are commendable, Messi’s enduring reputation and fan following make him the preferred choice among many supporters for the 2023 Golden Ball award.
One fan’s perspective highlights Haaland’s lack of impact in the semi-finals and final matches, noting that his absence of goals and limited participation in these crucial games undermine his candidacy for the award. Another supporter emphasizes that while Haaland achieved a treble with his team, his performance in the most significant match fell short compared to Messi’s masterclass display in the FIFA World Cup 2022 final. This comparison further reinforces the belief that Messi is more deserving of the Ballon d’Or than Haaland.
Another fan shares the view that Haaland does not merit the Golden Ball and aligns with others who favor Messi. They argue that Haaland’s performance is not even the most exceptional among his Manchester City teammates.
Overall, there is a consensus among these fans that Messi’s exceptional performances in crucial matches and his consistent excellence throughout his career make him the more deserving candidate for the 2023 Golden Ball award.
Although Messi’s club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), did not progress beyond the round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League, his individual contributions were exceptional. He recorded 20 goals and 20 assists for PSG across all competitions this season. Recently, he confirmed his departure from the wealthy French club and made a move to Inter Miami, signaling the end of his two-year association with PSG.
This significant achievement in leading Argentina to World Cup victory, coupled with his impressive performances at PSG, further solidify Messi’s legendary status in the world of football. His memorable moments on the international stage and continued success at the club level continue to shape his remarkable career.
