Pep Guardiola believes Lionel Messi should have his own distinct Ballon d’Or category after being questioned about whether the World Cup winner or Erling Haaland should receive this year’s honor.
Messi, who recently joined Inter Miami after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, is the frontrunner to win the award for a record-extending eighth time after leading Argentina to World Cup victory last year.
Haaland’s 52 goals in 53 games, which helped Manchester City win the treble of Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup last season, could make him Messi’s main rival for the prize.
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager, managed Messi at Barcelona and currently coaches Norway forward Haaland.
“Always I said that the Ballon D’or should be in two sections, one for Messi, and after look for the other one, so Haaland should win, yes,” Guardiola said on Friday.”
“We won the treble because he scored 50 million goals but of course Messi, if you tell me the worst season for Messi is the best for the rest of the players.”
“Both deserve it, so what can I say?”
The prestigious Ballon d’Or awards ceremony will be held in the captivating city of Paris on October 30th.