Last Updated: October 20, 2023, 20:03 IST
London, United Kingdom (UK)
Lionel Messi has gained seven Ballon d’Or awards to date. (AP Photo)
Lionel Messi, who not too long ago left Paris Saint Germain for Inter Miami, is favorite to win the Ballon d’Or for a report-extending eighth time after main Argentina to World Cup glory final 12 months.
Pep Guardiola says Lionel Messi ought to have his personal class on the Ballon d’Or however admitted the World Cup winner and Manchester City hotshot Erling Haaland would each be deserving winners of the prize.
Messi, who not too long ago left Paris Saint Germain for Inter Miami, is favorite to win the Ballon d’Or for a report-extending eighth time after main Argentina to World Cup glory final 12 months.
Haaland may be his essential rival after scoring 52 objectives in 53 video games to assist City win the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup final season.
ICC World Cup: Schedule | Results | Points Table | Most Runs | Most Wickets
Guardiola is aware of the qualities of each gamers higher than most, beforehand teaching Messi at Barcelona and presently managing Haaland with City.
“Always I said that the Ballon d’Or should be in two sections, one for Messi, and after look for the other one, so Haaland should win, yes,” Guardiola stated on Friday.
“We won the treble because he scored 50 million goals but of course Messi, if you tell me the worst season for Messi is the best for the rest of the players.
“Both deserve it, so what can I say?”
Guardiola added: “Egotistically, I would say I want Erling because he helped us to achieve what we achieved, I would love it, but I won’t tell you it’s unfair if Leo wins.
“It’s nice that many players for Man City will be there for the first time in many years and challenging for these trophies. That makes us so proud for our organisation.”
City are hoping to get again to successful methods in opposition to Brighton on Saturday after shedding their earlier two league matches in opposition to Wolves and Arsenal.
City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who has struggled for recreation time beneath Guardiola, this week admitted he must play extra at membership degree as he seeks to retain his place within the England squad forward of Euro 2024.
That has elevated hypothesis he may depart in January and Guardiola didn’t rule out the chance.
“The transfer window is over, now we are here together. When we need a game with transitions, Kalvin is perfect,” he stated.
“When there is something you need to do, there are still one or two players who can do it better. That’s the simple reason.
“He will be here until winter. After, I don’t know what will happen because nobody knows once the window is open.”
Guardiola admitted it was “so important” that Rodri can return this weekend after the influential Spain midfielder was badly missed throughout his three-match suspension following final month’s sending-off in opposition to Nottingham Forest.
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed – AFP)
