Manchester City striker, Erling Haaland, has hinted that he will only stand a chance of winning the Ballon d’Or when Lionel Messi retires.
Haaland enjoyed a terrific debut campaign with the Premier League champions, as he scored 52 goals across all competitions.
Yet, the Norwegian missed out on the 2023 Ballon d’Or award as he finished second behind Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi, who had guided La Albiceleste to their third World Cup title in December 2022.
When asked if Messi has to hang up his boots in order for him to win the top individual awards, Haaland told a press conference on Tuesday: “Good question! I don’t know.
“I’ve won it all but I’m only 23, so I want to win it all again.
“Messi is the best that has ever played, maybe he has to retire for someone else to be regarded as the best.”
