Erling Haaland shared that he and Kylian Mbappe are about to replace the battle between Messi and Ronaldo for the best player in the world.

The Man City striker is considered Lionel Messi’s biggest rival in the 2023 Ballon D’or race, even before the shortlist of 30 players was announced by France Football magazine.

Many people support Messi, thinking that he is of great caliber and that the World Cup title is also more difficult to achieve, with the game only happening once every 4 years.

Not only did he lead Argentina to glory, including scoring 7 goals to win the Best Player of the Tournament, but Messi also had 39 goals and 25 assists during the time counted to vote for the Golden Ball.

With Haaland, he scored 52 goals in 53 matches for Man City, with the team winning the treble of the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. In addition, he had 9 more assists, so directly related to 63 goals (with Messi 64) in his first year at Etihad.

In a conversation with France Football magazine, Haaland shared about his chances of winning: “I know I can still improve more. I’m still young.

But I believe I have a chance (to win the Golden Ball) this year. I want people to remember me as a special player, in the way I played football. This is what I try to do every week: show something special.”

The 23-year-old striker also expressed that he is considered a ‘rival’ of Kylian Mbappe, replacing the longtime rival Messi vs. Ronaldo.

“That’s what everyone seems to think but be careful. We have to emphasize how crazy what Messi and Ronaldo do is.

And don’t forget they still do it because even when Messi and Ronaldo get older, they are still great players. I feel honored to see Messi and Ronaldo play football and achieve extraordinary things like them.

As for myself, I have never thought of myself as anyone’s opponent. That’s not how I see things. I focus on myself.

I just look to get better every day, continue to enjoy what I do, and be the best version of myself.”

Haaland’s statements show great respect for Messi and his humility. It is said that if Messi misses the 8th Golden Ball (announced at the awards gala in Paris on October 30) to his junior, he will happily accept it.

The Argentine superstar himself shared that he has the trophy of his life (World Cup) so he feels extremely satisfied, and if he gets the 2023 Golden Ball, he will be happy, if not, it doesn’t matter.