Erling Haaland has broken his silence on social media following Lionel Messi's Ballon d'Or victory. Messi won a record eighth Ballon d'Or at a ceremony in Paris after leading Argentina to their first World Cup title since 1986.
The diminutive striker scored seven goals in seven games in Qatar and was honored as the best player of the tournament.
Man City striker Haaland came in second, while Kylian Mbappé came in third for the prestigious award, which recognizes the best football player of the year and is voted for by 100 journalists around the world.
Some people believe that Haaland should have won this award after scoring 52 goals in all competitions in his first season at Manchester City while also winning a historic treble in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
However, the Norwegian responded to Messi's victory in a dignified manner by sharing a photo of the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star on Instagram with the caption "Felicitaciones Leo Messi" (Congratulations Leo Messi).
Haaland, who scored a record 36 goals in 35 Premier League games in the 2022–23 season, was rewarded for his achievements with the Gerd Muller Trophy, awarded to the top scorer. “I want to thank Manchester City, the whole club,” Haaland said.
“I also want to thank my family and everyone around me for making me who I am today.” As Messi's eighth Ballon d'Or victory divided the football world, the Inter Miami star congratulated Haaland and Mpbapp in his victory speech in Paris on Monday.
“Haaland and [Kylian] Mbappé will win the Ballon d'Or one day,” Messi said. "Erling also deserved it, he won the Premier League and Champions League and was top scorer in every competition. This award could have gone to you today. I'm sure in the Next year you'll win it."
Morgan also claims the award was rigged for Messi and Ronaldo should have had two more Ballon d'Ors to take his tally to seven.
On X, he wrote: "Messi preposterously winning the Ballon d’Or this year is yet more proof that the whole ‘Golden Ball’ system is rigged.
“He should have won 2 fewer, @Cristiano should have won 2 more, and Haaland should have won this year."
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