Ballon d'Or: Three reasons why Lionel Messi could be ahead of Erling Haaland in race

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With the conclusion of the 2022-23 club season, the debate about the winner of football's most prestigious individual prize - the Ballon d'Or has started heating up.

Following the World Cup win it was thought that Lionel Messi would win the Ballon d'Or without a fight. However, now it seems a fresh challenger entered the fray, increasing the stakes further.

Manchester City star attacker Erling Haaland's remarkable performance in club football has put many fans and pundits to reanalyze their forecast. Haaland has broken several goal-scoring feats for Manchester City this season and also has helped the Citizens win a European treble.

He recorded the most goals in Premier League as well as the Champions League with 52 goals and nine assists in all competitions in 2022/23. His outstanding records undoubtedly have created an intriguing competition for the esteemed honour and put him alongside the Argentine skipper.

However, going by the situation and circumstances, the award still seems to be edged towards the 35-year-old former Barcelona player. Here we have put together three reasons why Messi could pip Haaland to the Ballon d'Or award.

1. Messi's World Cup Win

Despite Haaland's treble win, nothing can match the honour of helping his country win the biggest and most important trophy in football - the FIFA World Cup. Messi played a key role in Argentina lifting the prestigious trophy after 36 years. At the club level, Messi also helped Paris Saint Germain claim another League trophy which is an added bonus.

2. Messis' Golden Ball at World Cup

Not only Messi captained his team to World Cup glory, but also he was the best player throughout the tournament. Messi managed seven goals and provided three assists in eight appearances at the World Cup.

He scored in all the knockout games which proved to be decisive in their advancement including the brace against France in the final. Not many players in the history of the game have recorded the same feat.

3. Messi's Individual Acclaim

Messi may not have recorded a similar stat to Haaland during the last campaign, however, at the club level the soon-to-be Inter Miami player did produce some magic in Ligue 1.

After an underwhelming debut campaign at PSG, he was one of the best players at the domestic level. He produced the most number of assists (16) in the league while he scored the same number of goals (16) as well.

Overall he registered 21 goals and provided 20 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. It is fair to say he has had an amazing campaign at an individual level in France as well.