West Ham striker Michail Antonio and Newcastle forward Callum Wilson have ignited a fiery debate by asserting that Erling Haaland should clinch the 2023 Ballon d'Or over Lionel Messi. Despite Messi leading Argentina to World Cup victory, Antonio and Wilson argue that Haaland's exceptional club performances, especially with Manchester City, make him the standout candidate for the coveted award.

Haaland's stellar season with Manchester City saw him net 52 goals across all competitions, earning his side a historic treble. The young Norwegian forward also shattered records along the way. On the Footballer's Football Podcast, Antonio declared, “I understand Messi winning the World Cup is massive, but you can't look past a treble-winning team and what Haaland brought to that, breaking records. He deserves that Ballon d'Or. If he doesn't get it, then it's a scandal.”

Wilson chimed in, emphasizing Haaland's incredible club football achievements. “What Haaland did last season can't be overlooked. If you take away international football and compare statistically… Haaland should win the Ballon d'Or,” he argued. While acknowledging Messi's historic World Cup win, Wilson highlighted the significant differences between club football and international competitions, emphasizing the Premier League's challenging nature.

After breaking records in the Premier League by scoring an impressive 36 goals in a single season and contributing to Manchester City's treble success, Erling Haaland is a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or. He finds himself in the company of football luminaries like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and his Manchester City teammate, Rodri.

Despite Haaland's remarkable club season, reports suggest that Messi, who joined Inter Miami in July, has already been informed that he will claim the Ballon d'Or for a record-extending eighth time. As the debate rages on, the Ballon d'Or race for 2023 continues to captivate football enthusiasts, with fans of both Messi and Haaland eagerly awaiting the final verdict.