Messi Didn’t Deserve FIFA Best Award But Haaland – Says Ex-Ballon d’Or Winner

A previous recipient of the Ballon d’Or, Lothar Matthäus, has expressed his disapproval towards Lionel Messi.

During an interview with Sky Deutschland, Matthaus asserted that the esteemed Argentina captain was undeserving of the Best FIFA Award for 2023.

Matthäus adamantly stated that Messi did not merit the FIFA accolade, further emphasizing that Erling Haaland from Manchester City should have been the rightful recipient of this prestigious honour.

Contrary to Matthäus’ opinion, Messi was recently bestowed with the FIFA Best Award, triumphing over Haaland in the process.

“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,” Matthaus said.

“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.”