According to analysis, Lionel Messi outperformed Erling Haaland in shining in big matches, which is the deciding factor that helped the Argentine captain win the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
At 36, Messi still shows that he steps up when the Argentina national team faces difficulties. For example, Messi recently scored a brace for the Argentina national team in their 2-0 victory against Peru, maintaining a winning streak of four matches in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers. He also made a strong impression by helping Inter Miami transform quickly with his goals and assists.
Spain’s Sport magazine recently reported that the Ballon d’Or 2023 results had been leaked, and Messi won. Messi would beat Haaland because of his importance and influence within the team. Furthermore, Messi knows how to shine in big matches, whereas the Man City striker has not left a significant mark in deciding games or competitions against big clubs.
Haaland has had an extraordinary goal-scoring record since joining Manchester. The 23-year-old player scored 52 goals in his first season, helping Man City achieve a “treble” and earn numerous individual awards under the management of Pep Guardiola. He scored eight goals this season but failed to find the net against Arsenal. In the 2022/23 Champions League final, Man City had to rely on Rodri’s goal to win.
Caught Offside analyzed, “Haaland’s goal-scoring record in the Premier League in his first season for Man City is extraordinary. He deserves praise, but isn’t the Norwegian striker bought to do just that?
In the biggest match of last season, the Champions League final against Inter Milan, Haaland “disappeared” and had no influence. Before that, in games against Real Madrid, he was also lackluster… Winning a “treble” with Man City last season made Haaland a Ballon d’Or 2023 contender, as well as Mbappe’s hat-trick and goal-scoring record at the World Cup. But Messi is still number one.
His inspiring and leading the Argentina national team in the World Cup 2022 is fantastic. But we can add to Messi’s tally the goals and assists he provided for PSG and Inter Miami, as well as the impact he had… Everyone knows Messi always appears when the team needs him to shine in critical moments. Messi deserves to win the 2023 Ballon d’Or.”
