Exploring why Lionel Messi triumphs over Erling Haaland for FIFA best award, according to Manchester City legend

Lionel Messi surprised many by winning his third Best FIFA Men’s Player award, despite Erling Haaland's strong candidacy following his contributions to Manchester City's Treble.

Why Lionel Messi Deserved To Win Over Erling Haaland
James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images and Stephen Law/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

At a glamorous event in London, Lionel Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient, surprised many by securing his third Best FIFA Men’s Player award, adding to his illustrious collection of accolades. Despite the voting process not factoring in the 2022 World Cup, where Messi led Argentina to victory in Qatar, Erling Haaland was widely anticipated to win after his instrumental role in Manchester City’s Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup Treble.

Former Manchester City captain Dunne expressed little surprise at Haaland’s omission. Speaking with GOAL in collaboration with William Hill, Dunne remarked on Haaland’s extraordinary goal-scoring prowess but noted Messi’s unparalleled artistry on the field, highlighting the essence of football as entertainment. Dunne expressed contentment with Messi’s win, citing his joyous style of play and emphasizing that statistical achievements often favor prolific goal-scorers.

Although Haaland missed out on the FIFA Best award, expectations remain high for his future individual accolades. As Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo approach the twilight of their remarkable careers, a new cohort of talent, including Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Jude Bellingham, stands poised to make their mark. Speculation swirls around potential transfers to Real Madrid for these rising stars. Dunne believes it’s only a matter of time before Haaland claims a Ballon d’Or, particularly if he secures a major tournament victory with his national team.

Haaland’s recent return from injury coincides with City’s pursuit of defending their major titles from the previous season. Meanwhile, Messi anticipates the start of Inter Miami’s 2024 campaign, aiming to further solidify his status as one of the most decorated players in history with a shot at four more trophies.

Lionel Messi

Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini

Forwarder, Midfielder

ArgentinaArgentina

Age: 37

170 cm

72 kg

Season 2024
Played 7 4 Missed
Minutes 584 83.4 Avg
Goals 9 1.3 Avg
Assist 5 0.7 Avg
Attempt 25 3.6 Avg
Passes 329 47.086.6% AvgSucc
Yellow 0 0.0 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total 6 times for 372 minutes for Major League Soccer.

Lionel Messi scored 1 goal for Inter Miami. He procured two assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 14th in Major League Soccer. In the last match Inter Miami lost 6-0 against Al Nassr.

Inter Miami performance and stats

Inter Miami

Manager: Gerardo Martino
Rank 1st
Win 6
Draw 3
Loss 2
Goals 26-16
Diff 10

It will be Inter Miami ended the league in the 14th position with 34 points.

In the last 34 games, it has won 9 times, drawn 7 times, and lost 18 times. In its last match, Inter Miami lost 1-0 against Charlotte.​​

It has a negative goal difference after scoring 41 goals and conceding 54.​

Erling Haaland

Erling Håland

Forwarder

EnglandEngland

Age: 24

195 cm

87 kg

Season 2023/2024
Played 27 7 Missed
Minutes 2215 82.0 Avg
Goals 20 0.7 Avg
Assist 5 0.2 Avg
Attempt 27 1.0 Avg
Passes 317 11.779.1% AvgSucc
Yellow 1 0.0 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total 17 times for 1401 minutes for Premier League.

Erling Haaland scored 13 goals for Manchester City. He procured 5 assists. He received 1 yellow card and no red cards.

His team is currently 2nd in Premier League. In the last match Manchester City won 3-1 against Brentford. The next match in Premier League will be against Everton.

Manchester City performance and stats

Manchester City

Manager: Josep Guardiola
Rank 2nd
Win 24
Draw 7
Loss 3
Goals 82-32
Diff 50

Manchester City is currently 2nd in the Premier League with 49 points.

In the last 22 games, it has won 15 times, drawn 4 times, and lost 3 times. In its last match, Manchester City won 1-3 against Brentford.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 54 goals and conceding 25.​

Manchester City will play the next match in Premier League against Everton on Saturday 10th of February in Manchester. The prediction is Manchester City winning the match.​