The manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, has made a suggestion that Lionel Messi will take home the Ballon d’Or award this year.

Guardiola acknowledges that Messi drove Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup, despite the fact that Erling Haaland scored a lot of goals as City won the treble last season.

On Friday, he stated at a press conference: “I always felt that the Ballon d’Or needed to be divided into two halves. One each for Messi and the others.

“Haaland ought to prevail, yes or no. He scored one million goals, and we won the triple. I hope Erling triumphs. Leo won the World Cup, but Messi!”

On October 30, Messi is anticipated to win the prize for a record-extending eighth time.

It will take the 36-year-old clear of eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won it five times.