“It’s a scandal” – Premier League footballer does not think Lionel Messi deserves the Ballon d’Or

Michail Antonio has stated that it would be a ‘scandal’ if Lionel Messi wins the Ballon d’Or this year over Erling Haaland.

The West Ham United star has claimed on the Footballer’s Football podcast that Erling Haaland deserves the Ballon d’Or award this year. He believes that the Manchester City star has done a lot more than the Argentine this year by helping his side win the treble. 

“I understand Messi winning the World Cup is massive, but you can’t look past a treble-winning team and what Haaland bought to that, breaking records. He deserves that Ballon d’Or. If he doesn’t get it then it’s a scandal.”

Haaland broke the record for the most number of goals in the Premier League season. He scored 36 goals in his debut season and also helped the side win the UEFA Champions League for the first time and added the FA Cup title too. 

Callum Wilson, the Newcastle United striker, was also on the podcast and agreed with Antonio. He added that Haaland was statistically better than Messi and deserved the Ballon d’Or.

“What Haaland did last season can’t be overlooked. If you take away international football and compare statistically… Haaland should win the award. You can’t look past Messi winning his first World Cup as it’s a big contributing factor, but club football-wise he’s been playing in America which is very different to Haaland in the Premier League.”

Reports suggest Lionel Messi has won his 8th Ballon d’Or and will be heading for the ceremony next week. He will be back in Paris for the first time since leaving PSG for Inter Miami in the summer.