Erling Haaland has opened up on his Ballon d'Or chances, admitting that he believes that he can challenge Lionel Messi for the individual award this year.
The pair are the frontrunners to win the award after impressive seasons, both getting their hands on the biggest trophies in football.
Haaland led Man City to a Treble last season as Pep Guardiola's side lifted the FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League.
Messi, on the other hand, led Argentina to a historic World Cup win as he lifted the trophy in December.
Speaking to France Football ahead of the World Cup, Haaland revealed that he believes he has a chance of challenging Messi for the Ballon d'Or.
When asked if he considers himself as the best striker in the world, Haaland said: 'In my mind… It all depends on what we mean by striker. It's a trick question.
'I'm definitely up there. Am I the best? Maybe.'
The Norway international continued to state that he believes he has a chance of winning the individual award this year, but can still improve.
'I know I can still improve a great deal,' he continued. 'I'm still young. But yes, I believe I have a chance this year.'
Haaland has started the season in fine form with Manchester City once again, who have won every one of their matches as they sit top of the Premier League.
The forward finalised by tellind France Football how he wishes to be remembered in football.
He said: 'I'd like people to remember me as a special player, in the way I play. This is what I'm trying to do every week: show special stuff.'
Haaland will be keen to win the Ballon d'Or this year, but faces tough competition from Messi and his former teammate Kylian Mbappe.
HkGadhvi07
984
This article is about Messi and Haaland but we can still find so many haters who are talking about Ronaldo in this section [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh] they can't leave a day without saying the name of Ronaldo
Football_Messi
760
man I really acknowledge haaland.. we can't ignore how brilliant he has been throughout the year.. but it's just unlucky that Messi had a great individual club season n most importantly a great great world cup.. can't help it.. Messi just deserves more
HakeemTm
674
I'm not a City fan but he deserves it to be honest..
DFrankline
631
mean while mbappe know he can go head to head with the GOAT🐐😂🤣
KirundaShafique
602
halland listening to his own interview n realizing wat he said , seriously gv Messi his ballon dor already
footballloveronly
573
Haaland and Messi last season be like..
psychopath_monstar
422
the idea of carrying your team also matters.Messi was crucial for argentina in WC and almost carried his team from first to last. haaland also played his part for man city sure but it is debatable how he carried his team in UCL as he ghosted in latter rounds. messi also got the same amount of g+A across the season as a playmaker not as a goal poacher which takes more football intelligence and skill.
Dolaris
386
Haaland deserved it Buh my GOAT 🐐 deserved it more💯❤️
lebrew7
379
Haaland is humble. Respect.
Joshwill1123
306
The Greatest of all time
tenmopsz
139
Good football is not all about scoring goals by hanging around the 18 of your opponent to run into the goal with slightest opportunity or being in a team that won a trophy. It has to do with your personal outstanding skills and your contribution towards you team success (from defence to midfieldand and attack). Currently Messi and others like Ronaldo or Mbape occupy a unique position when we mention best footballers. Haaland is no where near Ronaldo let alone Lionel Messi in this regard. He is obviously deluded by the fact that he scores goals and by chance was a Man City player at the time MC hauled in three important trophies at a go.
sewbdkltz
9
I'm not a City fan but he deserves it to be honest..
in what basis... haaland is back in everything than messi...and his trophies are yearly conducting... Messis is the greatest trophy and and messi has other 2 trophies also...and messi have fifa best player award and rarest laureus award...and UEFA was also deserved for messi... because haaland was ghosting in 2 semi finals and 2 finals in a worst status ... that's not a best player quality...at times may be bt in his team ...not for Ballon d'or 😅