Lionel Messi has been confirmed as the best player in the world, ahead of Man City’s Erling Haaland.
The Barcelona legend was crowned Ballon d’Or winner, for a record 8th time – beating Erling Haaland to the award.
Haaland was a huge favourite for the award, after winning the treble last season.
Messi has now sent out a message to the Manchester City striker.
“As I said, he [Haaland] deserved it [Ballon d’Or] very much too,” Messi said after winning his 8th Ballon d’Or award.
“Erling has won the Premier League and the Champions League while being the top scorer of everything. This award could have been yours today too, so I’m sure you will win it in the next years.”
For many, Haaland indeed deserved this award, and did everything possible to win it. Record number of goals, won the treble; what else is expected of him?
