The Ballon d’Or is undoubtedly the most coveted individual award in the world of football. As the debate rages on regarding who deserves the accolade, two extraordinary talents stand head and shoulders above the rest: Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi. While Messi seeks to add an unprecedented eighth Ballon d’Or to his illustrious collection, Haaland hopes to claim his first. In this article, we delve into the statistics and achievements of both players to determine who truly deserves the crown.
Erling Haaland’s Record-Breaking Season:
At just 22 years of age, Erling Haaland has taken the footballing world by storm. The Norwegian sensation has exhibited incredible consistency and unmatched goal-scoring prowess throughout the season. In 59 appearances, Haaland found the back of the net an astonishing 58 times, an achievement that highlights his deadly efficiency in front of goal. Moreover, he provided 10 assists, showcasing his ability to create opportunities for his teammates. With a staggering 61 goal involvements in just 58 games, Haaland’s impact on the field cannot be understated.
Haaland’s triumphs extended beyond individual records. He played a pivotal role in leading his club to triumph in the UEFA Champions League, where he emerged as the tournament’s top scorer and propelled his team to victory. Additionally, he played an integral part in securing the Premier League title and the FA Cup, earning himself the Premier League Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season accolades. Haaland’s breathtaking performance shattered the Premier League record for most goals in a single season by a player, a remarkable feat in itself.
Lionel Messi’s Unparalleled Brilliance:
Lionel Messi, the iconic maestro, continues to mesmerize football fans around the globe. In a season that witnessed numerous milestones, Messi’s numbers remained extraordinary. Across 54 games, the Argentine talisman notched 38 goals and provided 26 assists, resulting in an impressive 62 goal involvements. His ability to influence the game and create scoring opportunities for his teammates was second to none.
Messi’s achievements transcended individual accolades. He played a pivotal role in securing the World Cup for his national team, leaving a remarkable mark on football history. Additionally, Messi guided his club to victory in both the French league and the French Super Cup. Messi’s consistency and impact were further recognized with prestigious awards such as FIFA’s The Best Men’s Player and the Laureus Best Sportsman of the Year. For Messi however, winning the Ballon d’Or is no longer important. In a recent interview he stated:
“Does Ballon d’Or matter to me? No, at this stage in my life, it is no longer important to me. I’ve always said, the individual prizes are not what matters to me, but the collective ones are the most important to me. The most important prize at the moment is the World Cup. This is the greatest prize for me.”
With that being said, Messi is still the odds on favorite to win with Haaland currently in second place.
Both Haaland and Messi have showcased extraordinary talent, making the choice for the Ballon d’Or winner a challenging one. Haaland’s record-breaking season and impact on multiple fronts have been nothing short of sensational. At just 22, he has demonstrated maturity and composure beyond his years, amassing an impressive trophy haul. Messi, on the other hand, continues to defy the norms of greatness, exhibiting his unmatched skill and contributing to his team’s success on multiple stages.
As the world awaits the announcement of the Ballon d’Or winner on October 30th, the debate between Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi rages on. Haaland’s incredible goal-scoring and records paint a compelling case for a newcomer to claim the prestigious award. However, Messi’s brilliance, consistent performances, and exceptional achievements throughout his storied career cannot be overlooked. Ultimately, the decision lies in the hands of the voters, who must weigh the accomplishments and impact of both players to determine who truly deserves to lift the Ballon d’Or trophy. Who do you think should win the Ballon D’Or?
Check out LifeWalletSports.com to get connected with all of our NIL athletes and partnered brands
