The 2023 Ballon d’Or seems to be a close one between Lionel Messi and Manchester City’s super striker Erling Haaland.

Haaland made an incredible impact on the English League last season, setting a multitude of records after back-to-back emphatic performances.

The ex-Dortmund forward had a phenomenal last season, while Messi stood out at the World Cup and was the best player in the competition.

However, Norwegian legend, Jan Age Fjørtoft has picked Erling Haaland as the main man to claim the prestigious award this season.

The Norwegian legend remarked, “Erling Haaland should win the Ballon d’Or. I think that Erling Halland certainly won the treble. He scored goals, goals, and goals. For me, the Norwegian should win the Ballon d’Or.”

Haaland achieved prolific goal-scoring feats and secured multiple trophies last season. But the legendary center forward also believed that Messi had a political edge to win the Golden Ball, despite backing his compatriot for the trophy.