Krasnodar’s Nigerian footballer Moses Kobnan voiced disagreement with the Ballon d’Or outcome, openly expressing his view on the matter to Euro-Football.Ru. He said that while his admiration for Lionel Messi runs deep, he does not believe the Argentine icon fully deserved the prize this year. Kobnan asserted that Erling Haaland should have claimed the Ballon d’Or instead.
Messi was crowned Ballon d’Or on October 30 during a ceremony held at the Châtelet Theatre in Paris. In the final tally, the Netherlands finished in second place. The ceremony underscored Messi’s continued influence and exceptional career at the highest levels of football.
This victory marks the eighth Ballon d’Or for the captain of the Argentina national team. Messi’s name has been etched into history multiple times, with wins recorded in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023.
Messi’s global prestige was further reinforced in December 2022, when he helped Argentina clinch the FIFA World Cup title. The decisive final saw the South American squad prevail over France in a dramatic penalty shootout, sealing a milestone for both Messi and his nation.
In contrast, Haaland has recently been recognized as the best player for Manchester City in the prior season. The Norwegian standout appeared in 52 matches across all competitions, contributing 52 goals and 9 assists. This performance came in what was his first campaign in the English Premier League, underscoring a rapid rise to prominence in Europe’s top league.
Haaland’s achievements have solidified his status as one of the leading football talents of his generation, while Messi’s enduring legacy continues to spark discussion about the qualities that define the Ballon d’Or winner. The football world remains focused on how such honors reflect both individual brilliance and the broader dynamics of team success.
Observers note that the Ballon d’Or often elicits debate among players, pundits, and fans, especially when considering the balance between consistent, year-long performance and single-season dominance. The interplay between personal skill, team achievements, and international success creates a rich dialogue about what it takes to be crowned football’s best. Attribution for these perspectives is drawn from contemporary coverage of the awards and post ceremony analyses.