Lionel Messi has finally won his eighth Ballon d’Or. The Argentinian superstar pinched the prestigious award from his rival, Erling Haaland, who, on the other hand, was as close as one could get to the trophy. While a section of the soccer fraternity hails Messi’s record win, another questions why it wasn’t the 6’4” striker on the trophy podium instead.

From achieving remarkable individual and collective records to scoring dozens of goals, Haaland did everything. There was, however, a missing component that likely caused the youngster to go home tonight without the Ballon d’Or. So why didn’t Haaland win the Ballon d’Or?

Why didn’t Erling Haaland win the 2023 Ballon d’Or?

Haaland’s season was not only backed by his silverware record but also by his outrageous goal-scoring prowess. Speaking of the numbers, the Norwegian scored a staggering 52 goals in 53 games, winning the Golden Boot. His on-pitch antics led him to help his side dominate every competition, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and the club’s first-ever Champions League.

However, even after this, the Norwegian superstar couldn’t win the Ballon d’Or. Instead, Messi, who is already stacked with seven Ballon d’Ors, won his historic eighth. Well, there are several reasons for Haaland’s Ballon d’Or loss. For starters, it’s the 2022 FIFA World Cup in many people’s eyes. Messi single-handedly took his national side to the finals against France and helped them return the trophy to South America after a 36-year exile.

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Likewise, Messi also managed to notch seven goals and three assists in seven matches. Domestic success with PSG is another plus point. That, nevertheless, still doesn’t rule out the fact that a single trophy can overshadow Haaland’s treble and Golden Boot with Manchester City. According to voters, Messi’s success in Qatar holds more significance than Haaland’s trio of European titles. Since the last three World Cup editions, he has been rallying alongside La Albiceleste for the Golden Trophy.

But fate never gave him a chance until last year. Even his naysayers gave a nod to him after his World Cup triumph. Age is another factor, as winning the World Cup at 36 and also becoming one of the top scorers in the tournament stands alone. And so, voters couldn’t let Messi’s emphatic achievement at such an age slide this easily.

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Haaland was unlucky, after all!

Perhaps the only reason to justify Haaland’s Ballon d’Or loss is his timing. He was just unlucky to enjoy such a remarkable season at the same time Messi displayed his heroics in the Gulf. While there’s no denying that Haaland deserved the Ballon d’Or, one should also look at the silver lining. Certainly, this is the last time we’ll get to see either Messi or Ronaldo win the award.

Now that both veterans are close to retiring, they will likely be hanging up their boots away from the spotlight. Given Haaland’s quality at just 23, there’s no need to state the obvious. He has what it takes to win not just one Ballon d’Or but to even chase the numbers set by CR7 and LM10.

Somehow, voters know the Citizen star has time to chase the award. But not Messi, who we might not see again at the ceremony. Tonight probably became a farewell night, where they bid goodbye to Messi for winning the coveted award, one last time. It was a way to honor the end of Messi-Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or era and celebrate the dawn of a new age.

Watch this story: LeBron James, James Harden, Trae Young, and Other NBA Stars Give Lionel Messi His Flowers After Argentina’s FIFA World Cup Win