The Liverpool legend believes Erling Haaland would have won the Ballon d’Or in 2023 instead of Lionel Messi if he had been a Real Madrid player. He believes the stats and trophies were in the Manchester City star’s favor and he should have finished with the France Football trophy.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Carragher said Haaland did not deserve to finish as low as 26 in the Ballon d’Or this year, nor did he deserve to finish second in the race for Messi in 2023. He said (via City Xtra):
“In the Ballon d’Or, [Erling] Haaland was 26th. This is ridiculous, even considering Manchester City’s disappointing season. Haaland finished second to Lionel Messi as Manchester City won the treble. Had he been a Real Madrid player missing after 52 goals in 53 games in a UEFA Champions League winning season, there would likely have been a boycott of the ceremony by the club…”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola also felt Haaland deserved the award in 2023, saying France Football should give one award to the Argentine and another to the next best player. He said (via ESPN)
“I always said that the Ballon d’Or should be divided into two sections: one for Messi, then another for Haaland to win, yes. We won the treble, he scored a million goals. The worst season for Messi is the best for the rest of the players. Both deserve it. Actually, I want Haaland to have it because he helped us achieve what we achieved, I would love that. But Messi has won the World Cup. “
Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or in 2023 with 105 points, finishing with 462 points, while Haaland and Kylian Mbappe finished just behind with 357 and 270 points.
Real Madrid legend lashes out at Lionel Messi’s 2021 Ballon d’Or win
Real Madrid icon Iker Casillas has hit for the Ballon d’Or in 2021, posting on social media that Lionel Messi did not deserve to win the award. He claimed that the Argentinian was in the top 5 in history and said:
“It’s getting harder and harder for me to believe in the rewards of football. For me, Messi is one of the 5 best players in history, but you have to start knowing who the most outstanding players are after one season. It’s not that difficult, dammit! Others make it difficult.”
Lionel Messi received 613 votes for the 2021 Ballon d’Or, beating Robert Lewandowski and Jorginho for the award.
Edited by Sripad
