Stale Solbakken, the head coach of Norway, has outlined his arguments against Erling Haaland receiving the Ballon d’Or this year.

Haaland scored 36 goals in just 35 games last season, shattering the Premier League record for the most goals scored in a single season.

In addition, the Norwegian led all players with 12 goals in the Champions League as City won the championship in Istanbul.

As a result, there have been demands for Haaland to win the Ballon d’Or in 2023 after he increased his already staggering goal total while playing for Pep Guardiola’s team at the Etihad Stadium.

Additionally, he has routinely found the back of the goal for his nation, which is led by former Wolves manager Solbakken. Between 1997 and 1998, the former midfielder played an impressive but brief season with Wimbledon in the Premier League.

The head coach of Norway has now stated why Lionel Messi and not Haaland should receive this year’s prize.

If you ask me who I believe will win, I’ll answer Messi because of his World Cup victory, he said, according to Norwegian newspaper VG. Still, it has an effect.

As a consequence of his aforementioned achievements with Argentina, Messi is the overwhelming favorite to win the prize for a seventh time.

Before joining MLS team Inter Miami this summer, the 36-year-old crossed the last item off his footballing bucket list, at least in terms of trophies.

At the World Cup, he was chosen player of the competition, and many thought that distinction alone should have earned him the Ballon d’Or. However, not everyone concurs.

Prior to the competition, Haaland told Ballon d’Or organizers France Football that he thought he could compete with anybody for the prized award.

“In my opinion… it all depends on what we mean by striker,” the City front remarked. It’s a ruse, that inquiry. Without a doubt, I am there. Do I excel? Maybe.

“I’m aware of how much I still have to learn. I’m still a child. Nevertheless, I do think I have a shot this year.