'Haaland should win. We won treble': Pep Guardiola's interesting take on Ballon d'Or & Lionel Messi

Pep Guardiola has called for a separate section to be included for Lionel Messi in the Ballon d’Or. The gala event is scheduled to be held on 30th October and Messi is certainly a contender to lift his 8th Ballon d’Or title. Erling Haaland is also believed to be a candidate for the prestigious award.

3 things you need to know

• Lionel Messi lifted his first World Cup in Qatar
• Erling Haaland broke the Premier League goalscoring record last season
• Manchester City registered their first ever continental treble last campaign

Also Read: Lionel Messi vs Erling Haaland vs Kylian Mbappe: Ballon d'Or 2023 winner has been revealed

Messi vs Haaland: Ballon d’Or race is hotting up

Guardiola happens to be an admirer of both the players he has now managed in his esteemed managerial career. Haaland's record-breaking 52 goals powered Manchester City to their first treble as they became the second English team to claim that record. Messi was at the forefront as he guided Argentina to their FIFA third World Cup title. Recent reports even suggested that Messi has been informed about his 8th Ballon d’Or and it is only now a matter of time before the player receives his award.

Lionel Messi celebrates his goal against Peru (Image: AP)

Also Read: 'The best in history': Lionel Messi boldly compares World Cup-winning Argentina to his Barca team

Pep Guardiola picks up his Ballon d’Or winner

Ahead of Manchester City's clash against Brighton & Hove Albion, the former Barcelona player insisted that Haaland should lay his hand on the trophy but Messi also deserves this time around.

“I always said that the Ballon d’Or had to be of two sections – one for Messi and one for the others. Haaland should win. We won the treble because he scored 52 goals but, of course, Messi – his worst season is the best of most players. Both deserve it.

“Egotistically, I would say I want Erling because he helped us to achieve what we achieved, I would love it, but I won’t tell you it’s unfair if Leo wins. It’s nice that many players for Man City will be there for the first time in many years and challenging for these trophies. That makes us so proud for our organisation.”

Manchester City haven't had the desired start to their defending of the Premier League crowns they have already lost two matches this campaign.