The race for the individual award is considered the most prestigious in the world: Ballon D’or only about 2 weeks, but perhaps this will only be the competition of the two greatest players last season: Messi and Haaland.

The Argentine legend has cemented his place among the all-time player and has nothing left to achieve at the highest level after helping his country win the World Cup in 2022. That win could earn him the 8th Ballon d’Or, but Messi – who now plays for Inter Miami after leaving PSG as a player freedom. He claims that he has never given much thought to collecting individual awards.

Messi seemed to be in a big position to win another Ballon d’Or as he helped Argentina win global glory in Qatar, but now he faces fierce competition for that award from the Manchester City forward, Erling Haaland.

The Norwegian striker scored 52 goals last season and with his club won a historic treble including the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.

What are they doing now ? Haaland is back in the race for EPL top scorer and European Golden Shoe in the 2023-24 season, but Messi has also found his form since moving to the United States. The 36-year-old superstar has scored 9 goals in 6 appearances for Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup which is a very surprising achievement at this age.