Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland went up against each other for the coveted 2023 Ballon d’Or award. Both players had an extraordinary season last year as they achieved success for their respective sides. But only one can win the trophy. The results are out. Messi won! With this, he claimed the award for a record eight times.

‘La Pulga’ and Erling Haaland were on a roll throughout the calendar year. However, the conditions differed for both. While the Norwegian striker emerged as a goal-scoring machine of the highest caliber, Messi bounced back from his disastrous start at PSG to show he still had what it takes to feature at the highest level.

Lionel Messi vs Erling Haaland: Statistics

Lionel Messi: The Argentine superstar had a stunning season all together last season. La Pulga, who suffered a rough start to his life in Paris, bounced back in the 2022/23 season. Messi made 32 Ligue 1 appearances for PSG in the season, scoring 16 times while making an equal number of assists. The player also had a great start in the Champions League as he scored 4 goals and 4 assists for the side in 7 games.

However, Messi lost momentum in the closing stages and saw PSG get knocked out in the round of sixteen. Apart from his League and European appearances, Messi also appeared in the finals of the French Super Cup, scoring the winner to help PSG bag the title.

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Apart from his escapades with PSG, Messi had the time of his life with Argentina during the World Cup. Messi was on fire for the side throughout the tournament as he scored 7 goals and 3 assists in 7 games. In total, Messi made 47 appearances last season finding the back of the net 28 times.

Erling Haaland: The Norwegian striker was nothing short of phenomenal last season. The striker moved over to Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund last season and wasted no time making his presence known. Haaland was on absolute fire for the side across all competitions. The striker made 35 outings in the Premier League, smashing 36 goals to break the record for the most goals in a single season in the league’s history.

Haaland continued to deliver for Manchester City throughout the Champions League as he 12 goals for the side in 11 outings as City made their way all the way to the finals. Apart from the League and European appearances, Haaland also took to the field in 6 cup outings, finding the back of the net 4 times.

Unlike Messi, Haaland did not have a lot of time with his national side. However, the striker made 4 international outings while scoring 4 goals for his side.

Lionel Messi vs Erling Haaland: Achievements

With some staggering numbers throughout the season, both Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland put their hand on titles last season. The duo made history with their respective clubs bagging some major accolades.

Trophies

Lionel Messi: La Pulga made history last season as he lifted the World Cup title that eluded him for the entirety of his career. The star, apart from his international success, also tasted silverware with PSG as their side lifted the Ligue 1 and French Super Cup trophies. The 2022/23 season saw the ex-PSG player lift 3 pieces of silverware.

Erling Haaland: Similar to Messi, Haaland made history with Manchester City during his first season with the club. The striker’s phenomenal form saw the Cityzens lift the Champions League title for the first time in the club’s history. The team also kept their stronghold on the Premier League, winning it for the third consecutive time in a row. With the two titles to their name, Manchester City completed a historic treble as they won the FA Cup to become the second side after rivals Man United to complete a treble. Haaland finished the 2022/23 season with 3 titles to his name.

The Biggest Moment

Lionel Messi: The entire world stood up on their feet as Lionel Messi did the unthinkable as he lifted the World Cup title with Argentina. Before the tournament, no one expected the Albiceleste to win the tournament. However, La Pulga and his men functioned as men possessed throughout the tournament and stopped only after getting their hands on the coveted title.

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Erling Haaland: The Norwegian striker etched his name in history books last season. There were a lot of talks about Erling Haaland’s impact following his decision to move to Manchester City. While fans expected him to score goals for the side, no one was ready for Haaland’s absolute carnage. The striker put everyone on notice in his debut season. Erling smashed Alan Shearer’s record for the most goals in a Premier League season by smashing 36 goals in the competition.

The two players undoubtedly had a phenomenal year last season.

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