“You don’t deserve the Award” — Ballon d’Or winner slams Messi

In a recent interview with Sky Deutschland, former Ballon d’Or winner Lothar Matthäus has expressed his discontent with Lionel Messi being awarded the Best FIFA Award for 2023.

According to Matthäus, the Argentina captain did not deserve the prestigious accolade, and instead, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland should have clinched the title.

Matthäus voiced his opinion against Messi, stating,

“He can’t be the winner this time. I think he was the best footballer of the last 20 years, but he has been in Paris and Miami, where he is now creating hype, and not won any major titles.”

The football legend emphasized the importance of major successes, arguing that when evaluating the achievements, there is no bypassing Manchester City and their striker Erling Haaland.

Matthäus highlighted Haaland’s impressive strike rate and the fact that he played a pivotal role in securing significant titles for Manchester City.

“If you look at the great successes, there is no way past Manchester City and – when choosing the best player – Erling Haaland. He won the most important titles with Man City. His strike rate was impressive. That should be decisive when you choose the best and most important player – and that was Haaland,” Matthäus asserted.