Man City star backs Lionel Messi to win 2023 Ballon d’Or ahead of team-mate Erling Haaland

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has backed Lionel Messi to win his eighth Ballon d’Or award ahead of Erling Haaland.

The Argentine has probably been the favourite ever since guiding his country to glory at the World Cup in Qatar last year, but some fans and pundits will likely feel that Manchester City striker Erling Haaland had a strong case as well after his immense form delivered a treble for his club last season.

Rodri has admitted that the Inter Miami forward is the favourite for the Ballon d’Or, despite his team-mate Haaland scoring 52 goals to fire City to treble glory in his debut season at Etihad Stadium.

“I think a certain Leo Messi is going to take it. Haaland is also a very large figure and has merits,” the City star said in an interview with COPE.

Rodri has also been nominated for the 2023 prize, but doesn’t expect to win because he is not in the public eye as much as his peers. “I know it’s an individual award with a lot of marketing,” he added.

“Among the monsters I’m with, of course, I lacked marketing, like Xavi and Iniesta. I worry about the things I can control, which is the collective awards.”