Lionel Messi is likely to win his eighth Ballon d’Or today. The Argentine’s stunning World Cup performances might be the reason for his victory. He won the Golden Ball after being involved in ten goals in only seven appearances. Even his former manager, Pep Guardiola, has praised Inter Miami #10 after his stellar campaign. The duo won two Champions Leagues together, including the famous sextuple in 2009. But Pep’s bias toward Messi has caused a lot of anger among fans who believe that the Spaniard should be rooting for his lethal striker, Erling Haaland.

Many fans believe that the Norwegian prodigy should win the award this season. Guardiola’s recent favoritism towards his former Barcelona colleague has sparked fury among various fanbases. Let’s dig deeper into this saga.

Pep Guardiola’s partiality towards Messi causes rage among fans

Pep Guardiola’s recent bias towards Lionel Messi has angered many fans across the globe. As tweeted by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Guardiola said, “Always I said that the Ballon d’Or should be in two sections, one for Messi, and after look for the other one, so Haaland should win, yes. We won the treble because he scored 50 million goals, but of course, Messi, if you tell me, the worst season for Messi is the best for the rest of the players. Both deserve it, so what can I say?”

This statement has caused fury among various fanbases. Fans have expressed their feelings on X.  A fan page tweeted, “This guy have no shame. Show the courage to support your player, who fully deserve this year. People believe that the Spanish tactician should be cheering for his striker instead of Messi.”

A fan compared the 2010 season when Messi won the Ballon d’Or, despite Iniesta and Xavi’s masterclass with Spain and Barcelona. The same pattern has been followed for this season, and despite Haaland’s incredible year, Messi will win the award again, as per this fan.

A fan page named BurnHard on X wrote, “If Haaland didn’t win it Is the biggest robbery in history.”

Another one believes that the Norwegian striker should win the Ballon d’Or this season. He is certain that Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham will win the award next season.

Another claim that Haaland has to win the trophy based on his performance last season. Giving it to the Argentine would be based on popularity.

Despite Pep favoring the Aregntine, Erling Haaland was absolutely unstoppable for City last season. The talented striker broke numerous records in the Premier League and the Champions League. Let’s take a look at his stats from last season.

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Erling Haaland’s stunning campaign last season

Erling Haaland had a monstrous campaign last season! He won the treble with the Sky Blues last season. He scored over 50 goals for the Cityzens. In his debut season, the Norwegian prodigy became the top scorer in the league and the Champions League. He surpassed Alan Shearer and Andrew Cole’s 34-goal mark for the most league goals scored in a season, scoring 36. The City striker scored more league goals than Everton and Wolves last season!

Despite Haaland’s heroics, Messi is the favorite to win the Ballon d’Or this season. PSG forward Kylian Mbappe is another potential candidate. The PSG forward was the top scorer at the 2022 World Cup. He showed his class by scoring an astonishing hat trick in the final.

Let’s see who wins the Ballon d’Or today.

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