Sergio Aguero is not convinced that Manchester City striker Erling Haaland missed his big Ballon d’Or opportunity when losing out to Lionel Messi in 2023. The prolific Norwegian frontman enjoyed a memorable debut campaign at the Etihad Stadium, becoming a Treble winner, but still saw Argentine GOAT Messi walk off with the most prestigious of individual accolades.
Messi pipped Haaland to prize after World Cup heroics
That is because the South American superstar, who now has eight Ballons d’Or to his name, inspired his country to World Cup glory at Qatar 2022. Having completed his medal collection there, producing magical performances during the knockout stages, Messi became impossible to overlook.
That is despite Haaland enjoying a remarkable season at club level in England. He helped City to the Premier League title, FA Cup and Champions League crown in 2022-23 – a season that was disrupted by a winter World Cup in the Middle East. He hit 52 goals that season through 53 appearances in all competitions.
City boss Pep Guardiola said at the time, having previously worked with all-time great Messi at Barcelona: “Haaland should win, yes, we won the treble and he scored 50, I don't know, million goals. But of course, if you tell me the worst Messi season? That's the best for the rest of the players. Both deserve it, what can I say?
“Egotistically I would say Erling because he helped us achieve what we achieved. I would love it. But if Leo wins, they won the World Cup. It's nice so many players from Man City will be there for the first time in many years and challenging. That makes us so proud.”
AdvertisementGettyHaaland tumbled down Ballon d'Or standings in 2025
Haaland ended up finishing as runner-up behind Messi. He slipped to fifth place in the vote 12 months on, before tumbling to 26th in the 2025 poll – with Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele now being recognised as the best player on the planet.
Haaland has, however, enjoyed a stunning start to the 2025-26 campaign. Through 12 appearances for City and Norway, he has registered 21 goals – with that haul including a five-goal showing against Moldova and a hat-trick performance versus Israel. Guardiola’s side sit fifth in the Premier League table and appear ready to challenge for the grandest of prizes once more.
How Haaland can win the Ballon d'Or
With that in mind, ex-City striker Aguero – who could see his all-time goal record eclipsed at some stage – has told when asked about Haaland’s claims to a Golden Ball: “Why should it be the case that Erling Haaland has missed his Ballon d’Or opportunity? The season is just getting started and he's in the running. The consistency we see from him and the other players will dictate what happens, but the result of the Champions League is going to be crucial for the Ballon d'Or too.”
Haaland told reporters after missing out to Messi in a close run Ballon d’Or battle, with there no arguments from his side regarding the final result: “He won those trophies and also won the World Cup. He is the best of all time, in my opinion.”
GettyMagical Messi chasing down more trophies in MLS
While Haaland is starring in England, Messi continues to do likewise in the United States. He is now 38 years of age but has been showing no sign of slowing down. Aguero hopes that his fellow countryman will continue for several years yet. He added: “I think everyone wants Leo to play forever, don't we all? But it'll be up to him to make that choice, whenever he does make it.”
There have been suggestions that Messi is ready to sign a new contract at Inter Miami – allowing him to emulate eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who is already playing beyond the age of 40 at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.
Messi has registered 34 goals for the Herons this season across all competition, breaking more records and putting himself in contention for another MVP award. He has helped Inter Miami into the play-offs, with a bid for ultimate MLS Cup glory set to begin shortly.