The Ballon d’Or winner will be announced this evening, and it’s expected to be a close call between Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland.

Messi is on the list after a superb World Cup performance, while Haaland also had a superb year as he won the treble. The Norwegian scored 54 goals to help Man City win the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is connected to both players, and has again spoken on who he believes deserves to win it more.

Guardiola said: “The Ballon d’Or? I have great affection for both Messi and Haaland.

“If Messi wins, it will be a fair win because of the World Cup, and if Haaland wins, it will be fair to the season he had. They should give two awards this year, they both deserve to win.”