Erling Haaland was the man that the Tartan Army feared the most ahead of Scotland's clash with Norway at Hampden Park on Sunday - but he won't take part after major injury fears were sparked.
30.10.2023 - 14:27 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Manchester City talisman Erling Haaland will discover tonight whether he has done enough to claim the Ballon d'Or for the first time in his career.
100 journalists from FIFA's 100 top-ranked countries have cast their vote on who should receive the prestigious award. Those jurors have been asked to prioritise the individual player's performance rather than trophies won over the past year.
On this criteria, many believe Haaland should be the favourite to win the award after scoring 65 goals in 68 games for City. He has also claimed a host of individual accolades too including; UEFA Men's Best Player, PFA Footballer of the Year, Premier League top goalscorer and UEFA Champions League top goalscorer.
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Despite all this, there is still competition in the form of Lionel Messi. The current Inter Miami forward starred at the World Cup as his beloved Argentina lifted the trophy for the first time.
While team accolades are not meant to be a deciding factor, there is a suggestion Messi could take the crown for an eighth time. Ahead of the Ballon d'Or ceremony, MEN Sport has taken a look at what the man himself, his boss and other pundits make of Haaland's chances tonight.
The Norwegian was modest about his chances prior to the World Cup. Speaking to France Football, he said: "In my mind… It all depends on what we mean by striker. It's a trick question.
"I'm definitely up there. Am I the best? Maybe.
"I know I can still improve a great deal. I'm still young. But yes, I believe I have a chance this year."
One man who knows the two top contenders for the award well is Guardiola, having managed both men during his career.
Erling Haaland was the man that the Tartan Army feared the most ahead of Scotland's clash with Norway at Hampden Park on Sunday - but he won't take part after major injury fears were sparked.
Sabrina Carpenter has been opening for Taylor Swift’s concerts in Latin America, as part of her ongoing ‘Eras Tour’ concerts. The 24-year-old singer is known for adding a fun twist to one of her hit songs in every of her shows, including a different outro, depending on the country or city she performs.SABRINA CARPENTER SINGS SELENA QUINTANILLA’S ‘DREAMING OF YOU’ IN MEXICOTAYLOR SWIFT HAS BEEN SHOWING OFF HER SPANISH IN ARGENTINALIONEL MESSI CELEBRATES INTER MIAMI’S END-OF-SEASON WITH HIS TEAMMATESThis time the young performer decided to give a shout out to Lionel Messi during her show in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates may not have made it to the MLS playoffs, but they are still smiling. On Wednesday, the players reunited in Miami for an end-of-season Italian dinner.Messi looked in good spirits alongside his Inter Miami teammates like Sergio Busquets, Facundo Farias, Jordi Alba, Toto Avilés, Josef Martínez, Leonardo Campana, and Nico St. They chose David Grutman’s Italian-inspired waterfront restaurant Casadonna for the special occasion.
Manuel Akanji insists Manchester City teammate Erling Haaland is more concerned with team trophies than the Ballon d'Or.
Pep Guardiola believes Jack Grealish could play in a central role for Manchester City after finishing the win against Young Boys at the Etihad in that role.
Erling Haaland looks likely to be fit for Tuesday but he could well be rested anyway.
Bernardo Silva was so good in his performance against Bournemouth that Pep Guardiola briefly thought he was watching Lionel Messi.
The Messi household is celebrating! Thiago Messi Roccuzzo, Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo’s eldest son, is turning 11, with the family sharing adorable posts to commemorate the occasion. Lionel Messi donates signed jersey to Selena Gomez’s Rare Fund CharityLionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo stop by Ed Sheeran concertA post shared by Antonela Roccuzzo (@antonelaroccuzzo)Antonela shared an adorable post of her son wearing the Inter Miami CF kit and posing as a seasoned player. “Happy birthday, Thiagui,” she wrote in Spanish.
Erling Haaland is back to his best and 'free' of his underlying injury concerns, Pep Guardiola says, and the striker does not need a rest any time soon for Manchester City.
Manchester City have had nearly a full week to bask in their comprehensive victory over Manchester United but now focus is set on this weekend's Premier League action.
Manchester United legend David Beckham loved Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's Halloween costume after the WWE icon paid tribute to the former Red on Tuesday.
67th Ballon d’Or in Paris, France, where the best football (soccer) players around the world, are celebrated. Messijust won his eighth Ballon d’Or, and he had the support of the most important people in his life: his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their children.Antonela and sons Thiago Messi, Mateo Messi Roccuzzo, and Ciro Messi Roccuzzo all matched the soccer player, wearing all-black looks. The family was all smiles as they posed together on the red carpet, eager to see if their famous dad would take home the prestigious award.
Lionel Messi's eighth Ballon d'Or award of his career meant that Manchester City striker Erling Haaland missed out on a first.
Lionel Messi and his family dressed to impress at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony!
Lionel Messi has shined with particular brightness, playing in three different teams and winning a World Cup. Scroll down to have a look at what you should know about the awards, hosted this evening in France: Lionel Messi called Rafa Nadal ‘lucky’, says pro tennis playerThe Beckhams and Messis go out for family dinner in MiamiThe Ballon d’Or awards start at 2pm ET, at the Theatre du Chatelet, in Paris, France.
Lionel Messi is expected to be crowned best of the best - but one YouTuber has made his position clear directly to his Argentina teammate.
You can get a classic fish and chips in the local pub the Manchester United Supporters of Tampa gather to watch their team play.
Rudie Obias editor If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission. Although he has already won a record seven Ballon d’Or awards, Argentinian pro soccer player Lionel Messi — who currently plays for the David Beckham-owned Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer — is in the running to claim his eighth trophy this week. The Ballon d’Or (French for “The Golden Ball”) is soccer’s most prestigious award, which is given to its biggest stars and the 2023 edition is happening Monday.
Manchester City are due to make the short journey to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon as bragging rights go up for grabs for the first time this season against Manchester United in the Premier League.
Lionel Messi is a nice guy, especially with his fellow countrymen. Diego Schwartzman, an Argentinean tennis player, recalled a conversation he had with Messi right after playing a match against Rafael Nadal. The Beckhams and Messis go out for family dinner in MiamiLionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo stop by Ed Sheeran concertSchwartzman recently discussed a meeting he had with Messi in 2018, following a match he played against Nadal.