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2023 Ballon d’Or: The Intense Debate Between Messi and Haaland

By Arthur Fernandes

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 21: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami looks on during the second half in the game against Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 21: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami looks on during the second half in the game against Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images) /
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The race for the 2023 Ballon d’Or is more heated than ever, and the debate over who deserves to be crowned the world’s best soccer player is reaching its peak. Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland are the two names that stand out the most in this competition, and opinions are divided on who deserves the prestigious award more.

Michail Antonio of West Ham was one of the first to speak up in defense of Haaland, arguing that the Norwegian deserves the award due to his spectacular performance at Manchester City last season. With 52 goals scored and the “triple” achieved with his club, Haaland proved to be an unstoppable force in the club soccer scene. Callum Wilson of Newcastle concurred, emphasizing that when it comes to club performance, Haaland excelled in the Premier League, one of the most competitive leagues in the world.

However, we cannot overlook Lionel Messi’s incredible feat, leading Argentina to victory in the World Cup in December. Winning the World Cup is a dream for any player and is a significant milestone in their career. Messi demonstrated his undeniable class and skill on the international stage, leaving many fans and experts arguing that he deserves the Ballon d’Or for this remarkable achievement.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 21: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami reacts during the second half in the game against Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 21: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami reacts during the second half in the game against Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images) /

The question here is this: what carries more weight in choosing the Ballon d’Or winner? Exceptional club performance, like Haaland’s, who broke records and led his team to impressive victories, or success on the international stage, like Messi’s World Cup triumph?

This rivalry is healthy for the world of soccer as it shows that there is world-class talent competing at the highest level, and opinions can vary widely. The Ballon d’Or award has always generated heated debates, and regardless of who wins, it is important to remember that both Messi and Haaland are exceptional players in their own right.

The award will be based on votes from journalists and experts, and the final decision may continue to be a topic of discussion among soccer fans. One thing is certain, however: the quality and talent of players like Messi and Haaland elevate the level of the sport, making it even more exciting for all of us. After all, in such a fiercely contested race, the true winner is soccer and its passionate followers.

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