Erling Haaland has missed out on the FIFA Best Award. Yes, you heard that right. The Norwegian ace who banged in 50 goals in 2023 fell short of Lionel Messi, who recently racked up his 3rd title. Yet, the youngster’s father and former player Alfie Haaland gave an interesting response while discussing the Argentine’s triumph. This time he did not show the same sentiments, unlike when Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or.

Haaland, Messi, and PSG icon Kylian Mbappe were the 3 finalists for this award. Yet, Lionel Messi reigned supreme over the duo, yet again. The decision is still being intensely debated among fans.

Alfie Haaland’s unfazed statement while congratulating Messi

Alfie Haaland had attended the ceremony to collect the prize in case his son bagged the award. Erling Haaland, just like Lionel Messi, decided to skip the event, considering he was recovering from the foot injury. When questioned regarding his son’s snub, he replied, ‘No problem.”. He further said, “Congratulations Messi“, although not in the most jovial mood or tone. However, Alfie’s feelings are perfectly understandable.

Haaland’s father, who previously claimed Messi’s Ballon d’Or victory over his son as a deserving one, might be confused this time around. After all, the World Cup played a key part in the Ballon d’Or votes and the Man City star didn’t even play the tournament. However, now, barely any player can match Erling Haaland’s trophies and individual statistics for the last season. With 50 goals and a treble, the Norwegian seemed the favourite to win the prize. His triumph over Messi as the IFFHS POTY suggested so too. Yet, the result didn’t go his way.

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Moreover, Alfie was questioned about the possibility of his son playing for Real Madrid. Despite saying the youngster was ‘happy’ at Man City, it will be a question that Alfie will be pondering, since winning individual awards seems to be easier at Real Madrid than at Man City.

Known to ‘Orchestrate’ Ballon d’Or campaigns, should Erling Haaland move to Real Madrid?

France Football Director Pascal Ferre surprised everyone in 2022 when he said that Florentino Perez and Real Madrid are very good at orchestrating campaigns to help their players in winning the biggest prizes. After all, they are the side with the most Ballon d’Or wins in history (12). Hence, Erling Haaland, who has been linked with Real Madrid, will greatly benefit from the move in that case.

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Real Madrid is also heavily linked with Mbappe. However, as per recent reports, the Frenchman has rejected a move to the Spanish club. Considering that the PSG icon is expected to be Erling Haaland’s biggest rival for the next decade, this move could be a shrewd strategy to go one-up on his rival.

Who do you think was the deserving FIFA Best winner? Tell us in the comments below.

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