Yesterday, the official list of the 2023 Ballon d’Or nominees was released by France Football magazine, and the soccer world is buzzing with excitement. With the likes of Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe all making the cut, anticipation for the winner is at an all-time high. However, amidst the fervor of this prestigious event, a soccer pundit has stolen the spotlight with his bold statement, and unapologetically claims Messi does not deserve his 8th Ballon d’Or. Instead, he is backing Manchester City’s rising star, Haaland.

Meanwhile, for the first time since 2003, Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo failed to make it to the Ballon d’Or list.

Pundit snubs Lionel Messi in favor of Erling Haaland for Ballon d’Or win

Since the release of the Ballon d’Or nominee list, discussions about the potential winner have become a barber shop topic. The debate also found its way to the studios of ESPN, where renowned pundits sat down to discuss the winner. Notably, during the discussion, Craig Burley made an eyebrow-raising comment stating Lionel Messi doesn’t deserve the award and it should be given to Haaland.

During the debate, he said, “I tell you what, do us all a favor, and if Erling Haaland doesn’t win this; close the shop. Lionel Messi won the World Cup. It’s a great achievement, but it’s a four-week period. His general league form was not the best. PSG were terrible.” Burley then emphasized Haaland’s achievements from the previous season when he scored 52 goals and clinched the Premier League title, the FA Cup, and the Champions League.

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“Erling Haaland should win this award. I know a lot of people out there can’t get off the Messi bandwagon,” he said. While admitting everyone will vote for Messi like a Muppet, the former Scottish player urged everyone to look at the bigger picture. “The big picture here is, Erling Haaland achieved everything over a long period of time, and for me, a few Awards drive me nuts but he’s the one that I think deserves it.”

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It’s clear that Burley is strongly in favor of the Norwegian striker winning the award over Messi. However, this bold statement raises the question of whether Haaland can prevent Messi from securing his 8th Ballon d’Or.

Can Haaland stop La Pulga from creating history?

If Messi manages to secure another Ballon d’Or, he will undoubtedly make history. As the legendary Johan Cruyff once quoted, “Messi will probably retire with five, six, or seven Ballon d’Ors. He’s in a league of his own.” While Cruyff’s prediction about seven Ballon d’Ors came true, the question now is whether Messi can defy the odds and claim his potential 8th trophy.

As straightforward as it may sound, winning another Ballon d’Or won’t be easy for La Pulga. Standing in his way is a generational talent, Erling Haaland, who is also in his own world. Already at 22, he emulated Messi’s 14-year-old record. Perhaps he might be onto something and may steal the Argentinian superstar’s potential 8th trophy. For now, only time will reveal the award’s ultimate recipient.

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Do you agree with Craig Burley’s claim? Let us know in the comments.