Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola shared his thought about the Ballon D’or awards slated for the end of October.
The Spaniard joked that Lionel Messi needs his own Ballon d’Or section but admits he’d love Erling Haaland to win the award after the Norwegian helped city to an historic treble.
Guardiola says City are proud to have so many nominees for this year’s Ballon d’Or .
Addressing the media at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s return to Premier League action at home to Brighton, the City boss revealed the club’s pride at having so many contenders.
ALSO READ: Reports: Messi poised to win eighth Ballon D’or at the end of October
He also spoke about the individual claims of Haaland – who scored a record 52 goals in an extraordinary debut season to help City win the Treble – along with Lionel Messi who captained Argentina to the World Cup.
“It’s nice that many players for Manchester City will be there for the first time in many years and challenging for these trophies,” Guardiola said.
“That makes us so proud for our organisation and for all of us.
“Always I said the Ballon D’or should be two sections, one for Messi, then after look for the other ones.
“Haaland should win, yes. We won the Treble and he scored 50 million goals but of course Messi, the worst season of Messi is the best for the rest.
“They both deserve it. What can I say?
Messi is a candidate for this year’s men’s Ballon d’Or for being champion of Ligue 1 with PSG, for winning the Leagues Cup with his new team, Inter Miami, and especially for having won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Argentine was crowned in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021.
On five occasions he was second (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017) and, on one occasion, third (2007).
