Does Messi deserve the Ballon d'Or?

The Ballon d’Or is an annual football award presented by French news magazine France Football since 1956, to the leading men’s player in the world, and is generally regarded as football’s most prestigious and valuable individual award.Lionel Messi is the once again the hot favourite to win a record-extending eighth prize, after inspiring Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in December.The 36-year-old scored seven goals, including two in the final, and won the Golden Ball after a series of mesmerising displays.However, I totally disagree with the majority, after seeing the season that Erling Haaland had in the premier league. A true monster when it comes to scoring goals. He scored a hat-trick against against rival team, Manchester United. Not many players can say they scored three goals past United in their debut match. The Manchester City star believes he can go toe-to-toe with Messi for the Ballon d’Or this year as he says he can get even better after a record-breaking season.Haaland, with 52 goals in his debut season at the club, led Manchester City to a treble last season, as Pep Guardiola’s side lifted the FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League.Messi, on the other hand, led Argentina to a World Cup win as he lifted the trophy as team captain in December – his country’s third such honour – after beating France in a thriller on penalties. I understand all this was a beautiful story for football. But the award screams best individual performance and stats show Haaland deserves it.The Norway international has stated that he believes he has a chance of winning the individual award this year, but also, that he can still improve.“I know I can still improve a great deal. I’m still young. But yes, I believe I have a chance this year.”Haaland has started the season in fine form with Manchester City once again, who have won every one of their matches as they sit top of the Premier League.The forward recently told France Football how he wishes to be remembered in football.He said: “I’d like people to remember me as a special player, in the way I play. This is what I’m trying to do every week: show special stuff.”Haaland will be keen to win the Ballon d’Or this year, but faces tough competition from Messi and his former teammate Kylian Mbappe of France.The 24-year-old Frenchman also has a solid case. His team reached the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup; Mbappé won the Golden Boot and Silver Ball and set the record for most goals scored in World Cup finals.Mbappé was also runner-up for FIFA’s 2022 Best Men’s Player award.Both Haaland and Mbappé are currently linked to a possible transfer to Real Madrid.

Does Messi deserve the Ballon d'Or?

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-14

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Does Messi deserve the Ballon d'Or?

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-14

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