Lionel Messi sent a classy message to Erling Haaland after beating the Manchester City striker to the Ballon d’Or on Monday evening.
After leading his nation to their first World Cup victory in 36 years last December, the Argentina star was awarded the eighth such prize in one of the most incredible sporting careers ever witnessed.
Even though Messi departed elite European football to play for Major League Soccer team Inter Miami, his successful season in Qatar was sufficient to earn him an unprecedented eighth championship.
He currently has a three-award advantage over former rival Cristiano Ronaldo as some of the most promising young players in football attempt to break their legendary duopoly.
Haaland finished second in the rankings just ahead of Kylian Mbappe in third as Jude Bellingham lifted the prestigious Kopa Trophy.
The age of Messi and Ronaldo appears to be at end and the 36-year-old has backed Haaland in particular to one day win the award.
“Haaland and Mbappe will win the Ballon d’Or one day,” he said.
“Erling deserved it very much too, he has won Premier League, Champions League while being the top scorer of everything. This award could have been yours today too.
“I’m sure in the next years you will win it”.
Erling Haaland did not go home empty handed in Paris however, with the Manchester City and Norway striker earning himself the Gerd Muller Trophy following an outstanding haul of 56 goals in 57 games last season.
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Haaland, alongside his Manchester City teammates and members of the Etihad club’s hierarchy, were also invited onto stage to claim the organisation’s second successive Club of the Year award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Ederson came close to winning his first Yachine Trophy award too, with the Brazil international shot-stopper finishing as runner-up behind Argentina and Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez.
