Erling Haaland’s treble not enough as Norwegian coach claims Lionel Messi deserves the Ballon d’Or, says World Cup win has more impact

Lionel Messi has been backed to win the Ballon d'Or by the Norwegian coach over Erling Haaland due to the World Cup.

Erling Haaland’s treble not enough as Norwegian coach claims Lionel Messi deserves the Ballon d’Or, says World Cup win has more impact

Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi (via Imago)

Norway’s head coach, Ståle Solbakken, has tipped Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d’Or this year. “I will say Messi because of the World Cup”, said the coach, giving his reasons. The Ballon d’Or 30-man shortlist was released, with Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe being the favorites to win the award.

Fans have already begun debating whether Lionel Messi win his 8th Ballon d’Or or Erling Haaland’s treble-winning season will edge out the Argentinian’s FIFA World Cup achievement. Erling Haaland’s national team coach, Ståle Solbakken, has tipped the Argentine over his Norway compatriot. The Norwegian coach believes that the World Cup triumphs over everything, even the treble.

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This 30-man shortlist was also the first time Cristiano Ronaldo was not mentioned in 20 years. The Portuguese, who currently sit at 5 Ballon d’Ors will go another season without being a contender for the trophy. His football rival, Lionel Messi, on the other hand, has found himself a nominee at 36 years of age.

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With the Argentine now facing the 23-year-old Norwegian machine, this could be one of Lionel Messi’s last opportunities to be considered for the prestigious individual award. The winner of the Ballon d’Or will be announced on October 30 in Paris.

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Lionel Messi’s 2022 World Cup journey

Lionel Messi performed incredibly during the World Cup (Source: via AFP)
Messi performed incredibly during the World Cup (Source: via AFP)

Lionel Messi finally achieved his ultimate dream of lifting the World Cup after Argentina beat France on penalties at Lusail Stadium. In what was described as the player’s ‘Last Dance’, Messi played like every game was his last. The Argentine would end the tournament with 5 out of a possible 7 Man of the Match awards.

Lionel Messi played every minute of the World Cup, playing a total of 690 minutes of football in Qatar. Messi also ended the tournament with 3 assists, along with 5 other players. The Argentine almost took home the ‘Golden Boot‘ if not for a ridiculous hattrick in the finals by Kylian Mbappe. Lionel Messi was undeniably the best player in the tournament, collecting the ‘Golden Ball‘ award.

It was a journey that saw them lose their opening game in a shocking defeat against Saudi Arabia. A journey where they conceded late goals on two separate occasions against the Netherlands and France. The Argentines surmounted all odds extinguishing the memories of Brazil in 2014.

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