Man City boss Pep Guardiola has admitted his desire for City striker Erling Haaland to claim his first Ballon d’Or award.

While praising Haaland, Guardiola also admitted that Barcelona legend Lionel Messi as well deserves the award.

The Spanish coach spoke about the individual claims of Haaland – who scored a record 52 goals in an extraordinary debut season to help City win the treble, and also hailed Messi’s World Cup feat.

Addressing the media at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s return to Premier League action at home to Brighton, Guardiola said: “Haaland should win, yes. We won the Treble and he scored 50 million goals but of course Messi, the worst season of Messi is the best for the rest.

“They both deserve it. What can l say?

“I would say I want Erling because he helped us achieve what we have, I would love it but they (Argentina) won the World Cup.”

Guardiola also said: “Always I said the Ballon D’or should be two sections, one for Messi, then after look for the other ones.”

The winner will be announced at a ceremony taking place at Paris’ Theatre du Chatelet on Monday 30 October.