4 reasons why Haaland deserves 2023 Ballon d’Or over Messi as awards approach

Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi have emerged as the frontrunners for the 2023 Ballon d’Or award after an outstanding year for Manchester City and Argentina respectively.

The Norwegian forward transferred to the Citizens last summer from Borussia Dortmund in one of the most high-profile transfers and has quickly become a household name for the English giants.

Haaland won the treble with Man City, but his Norway manager believes the former Borussia Dortmund striker will lose out to Messi for the prestigious award when the winner is announced, Manchester Evening News reported.

Conversely, the Argentine claimed football's biggest trophy when he guided his country to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title, scoring seven goals in the process to end La Albiceleste's 35-year tournament drought.

Sports Brief highlights four key reasons why Haaland deserves to be named as the 2023 Ballon d’Or winner ahead of Messi, who has won the award seven times previously.

1. Haaland’s season of goals

Haaland had a season to remember as the forward scored 52 goals in 53 appearances last season across all competitions for Manchester City, Sportskeeda reports.

The Norwegian forward turned his doubters into believers after many had assumed he would struggle in the EPL, only for him to emerge as the top scorer with 35 goals, while Messi finished with just 16 goals in Ligue 1 for Paris Saint-Germain, prior to his move to the MLS.

Haaland also outscored Messi in the UEFA Champions League as the Man City forward finished as the competition’s top scorer with 12 goals, while Messi finished with only four goals.

2. Breaking records came easy for Haaland

Haaland became the Premier League's quickest player to score three hat-tricks when he accomplished the feat in October after doing so in just eight appearances.

The Norwegian striker smashed Sergio Aguero's previous record for the most goals in a Premier League season for Man City at the end of February with an amazing 27 league goals.

The Norwegian's final tally for the season was 36 EPL goals in just 35 games - or one goal per 77 minutes. This shows the Man City forward was unstoppable in front of goal last season.

3. Turning City into history-makers
Man City had already shown to be a formidable team, but Haaland's acquisition helped them reach new heights.

They overtook Arsenal, who had held the lead in the title battle from August to early May, thanks to Haaland. His simple presence on the pitch provided City with opportunities and his rivals with difficulties.

The striker's role in guiding Man City to their eagerly anticipated Champions League victory was his most noteworthy accomplishment of the year. Pep Guardiola had come close previously but failed.

4. Messi’s inconsistencies should favour Haaland
Argentina's World Cup victory highlighted Messi's skill on the world stage and he deservedly got praise for his efforts, yet the 36-year-old had so many inconsistencies in the year under review.

Inconsistencies and disappointments marred his time with PSG as the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner performed poorly in Ligue 1 and saw his team eliminated from the Champions League in the round of 16

Messi's contributions in crucial European fixtures were minimal as he failed to make a significant impact, culminating in his departure from PSG with displeased club fans booing him out.