Left: Erling Haaland via Getty Images; Right: Lionel Messi via Imago Images
The 2023 Ballon d’Or award ceremony beckons, and the football world awaits eagerly to crown the year’s best player. Among the many contenders, two names stand out: Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland. Both players have had phenomenal seasons, leading their respective clubs to glory and impressing fans and critics alike with their skills and goals. But who deserves to win the prestigious prize more? One man who has a clear opinion on this matter is Ronaldo Nazario, the Brazilian legend who won the Ballon d’Or twice in his illustrious career.
Ballon d’Or 2023: Ronaldo about Messi
Ronaldo, one of the best forwards ever, has said that Messi deserves his eighth Ballon d’Or, surpassing his own record of seven. Ronaldo admired Messi for his amazing performance in the World Cup, where he led Argentina to their first trophy since 1986, with four goals and five assists in the tournament. Messi also lifted the French Super Cup and Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain, with 21 goals and 20 assists in 41 matches for the Parisians in all competitions. Messi also won the French Super Cup and Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain, scoring 21 goals and assisting 20 more in 41 games across all competitions for the Parisians.
“The Ballon d’Or should go to him [Lionel Messi], without a doubt,” Ronaldo said. “What Messi did in the World Cup was special.” Manifesting his talent, his mystical artistry, and his leadership abilities, he was indisputably the competition’s most superior player. His outstanding season with PSG, in which he bagged two trophies and upheld unwavering consistency, further testifies to his excellence. A maestro of the football world, he is meritorious of an additional Ballon d’Or award.
Ronaldo Nazario’s opinion on Haaland
However, Ronaldo also acknowledged the merits of Haaland, who had a sensational season with Manchester City, scoring 52 goals in 53 games across all competitions. Haaland helped City win the treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League, becoming the top scorer of Europe’s elite club competition with 15 goals. The Norwegian prodigy also scored 10 goals in eight games for his national team.
“Haaland is a fantastic player, a goal machine,” With a luminous pathway stretching out before him, his astonishing performance for City has set his future alight, consistently finding the back of the net and sweeping everything before him. His equally impressive displays for Norway have unveiled his exceptional talent and potential. Though in line for the Ballon d’Or accolade, it’s my perspective that Messi, largely due to his World Cup exploits, holds a slight advantage over him..
Conclusion
The final decision will be made by a panel of journalists from around the world, who will cast their votes based on the players’ performances from November 2022 to October 2023. The winner will be announced on October 30 at the Théatre du Châtelet in Paris, France. Who do you think will win the 2023 Ballon d’Or? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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