The 2023 Ballon d'Or Race Messi or Haaland? Why fans are divided.

Copyright 2023 diogopc

When talking about the best player of the year, Ballon d’Or makes the difference. The football is dividing between who truly deserved the 2023 Ballon d’Or. Two big names are dominating the conversion the Argentinian Lionel Messi and the Giant Erling Haaland. 

This will make the eighth Ballon d’Or for Lionel Messi, after leading Argentina to World Cup glory, securing league titles, and making an impact at Inter Miami. Some former players such as Joe Cole weighed in on Messi’s case, saying, “What Messi did at the World Cup was just outstanding, almost spiritual. The way he led that team... I just think it was the cherry on the cake for probably the outstanding football career we’ve seen.” Cole further added, “I think it put to bed the Ronaldo-Messi argument.” Many fans seem to agree with his comment mainly focusing on the World Cup and the success Messi brought to Inter Miani.

Copyright 2023 Martin Rickett

On the other hand, the young giant, Erling Haaland is dominating the goalscoring in Manchester City. Joleon Lescott, the former City defender, gave a passionate defense for Haaland. Speaking to TNT Sports, he said, “There have been years when Messi has won the treble and scored 50 goals... now someone else has done it in a league that’s never been done before. I find it hard to look past Erling Haaland for that reason.” 

Copyright 2023 Carlo Garganese

With big stories such as the Ballon d’Or, news regarding the winner was leaked, Lionel Messi secured his eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023. The most Ballon d’Or winner by a single player in the history of football.