Erling Haaland believes he can challenge Lionel Messi for the Ballon d’Or after having a record-breaking season

Erling Haaland is buckled up for the GOAT race.

Erling Haaland believes he can challenge Lionel Messi for the Ballon d’Or after having a record-breaking season

Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland. (Source: ESPN)

Manchester City forward, Erling Haaland has shown confidence in challenging the football legend Lionel Messi for the Ballon d’Or this year. Haaland’s optimism is owing to a successful record-breaking treble season with Manchester City.

In the latest interview, Haaland openly discusses his dreams of football and how much he wishes to lift the Ballon d’Or this year. He sternly believes in himself, as well as the records and individual achievements to dominate the current football scenario.

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Erling Haaland‘s performance with Manchester City during his debut season- 2022-23- and treble-winning campaign has been outstanding. His goal-scoring prowess was on show. The Norwegian’s ability to link up with his new players so easily and become a squad player in Pep Guardiola’s City side is something to praise the player for.

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Haaland led Man City’s attack to an amazing season. They won the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup – a historic treble. He scored 52 goals in 53 games, setting numerous goal-scoring records along the way.

The latest headline aligns with the release of the Ballon d’Or 2023 nomination list where both Erling Haaland and the Argentine maestro, Lionel Messi have been named. In an interview with France Football via the Daily Mail, Haaland was asked if he sees himself as one of the best strikers in the world. He responded, “It depends on what we mean by ‘striker.’ It’s a tricky question. I’m definitely up there. Am I the best? Maybe. I know I can still get a lot better. I’m still young. But yes, I think I have a chance this year.”

Also read: WATCH: PSG’s Kylian Mbappe celebrates France’s win over mighty New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup

Erling Haaland is humbled to watch the greatest rivalry in the history of football

Erling Haaland. (Source: BBC)
Erling Haaland. (Source: BBC)

In the latest statement, Erling Haaland has voiced his thoughts on the ever-growing football debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Referring to a similar rivalry, he also mentions the birth of his rivalry with another talented striker, Kylian Mbappe.

Haaland emphasizes the importance of admiration for the greatness of Messi and Ronaldo and how the sentiments regarding them are underwhelming among the young generation.

“It seems like people think the new rivalry will be between me and Mbappe. But we must emphasize to what extent Messi and Cristiano have done things,” stated Haaland. He also added that the upcoming generation should never forget that both of them are still doing it!

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