Many fans strongly believe that Lionel Messi is more deserving of the 2023 Golden Ball award than Haaland, despite the impressive achievements of the young striker.
Erling Haaland, at the age of 22, has emerged as the top scorer in the Premier League, netting an impressive 32 goals, and has been recognized as the best player of the season by the organizers. Additionally, Haaland has also excelled in the 2022/23 Champions League, leading the goal-scoring charts with 12 goals. In total, he has scored an incredible 52 goals for Manchester City across all competitions this season.
However, despite his remarkable goal-scoring prowess, Haaland has faced criticism from fans who argue that he has been relatively silent in crucial matches. This has led to a prevailing sentiment that he has yet to prove himself as the rightful recipient of the 2023 Golden Ball.
On the other hand, Lionel Messi, with his enduring popularity, continues to captivate supporters worldwide. His consistent performances, ability to influence games, and impact on his team have solidified his standing as a football icon. While Haaland’s achievements are commendable, Messi’s enduring reputation and fan following make him the preferred choice among many supporters for the 2023 Golden Ball award.