Many believed that Lionel Messi, then 35, would win the Ballon d’Or in 2023 after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, for Luis Figo, that may not be the case.
When speaking to reporters while serving as an ambassador at the Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony on Tuesday, Figo was asked who he thought should win the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
Rather than going with Messi, the former FC Barcelona and Real Madrid star thinks that Manchester City striker Erling Haaland should be the winner of the award.
“I wouldn’t choose Messi because he’s no longer involved in the Champions League and I think this competition has a lot of impact for people who vote for the Ballon d’Or,” Figo said to the reporters.
“It’s really difficult to choose; it will depend on the rest of the season. In particular, we have to wait for the Champions League final, which can make a lot of difference. But I might choose Haaland more. He is still in the competition and is having a fantastic season.”
Erling Haaland can win three trophies as Manchester City remains current favorites in the Premier League race. Man City is also in the FA Cup Final and the UEFA Champions League semifinal.
As a result, if Erling Haaland wins the treble along with dominating the goal scoring charts this calendar year, it might be enough to sway some people towards him.
On the other hand, Lionel Messi won the biggest trophy in football, the FIFA World Cup. Thus, he remains favorite for the most prestigious individual award in football.
