PEP GUARDIOLA claims Erling Haaland deserves to win the Ballon d’Or – but so does Lionel Messi.

Haaland has been nominated for the coveted prize after scoring 52 goals in Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign.

Erling Haaland deserves to win the Ballon d’Or according to Pep Guardiola

Lionel Messi is set to bаttle Haaland for the Ballon d’Or

Yet City boss Guardiola has always maintained his former Barcelona talisman, who inspired Argentina to World Cup success in 2022, is the best player he has ever coached.

Guardiola said: “I always said that the Ballon d’Or had to be of two sections – one for Messi and one for the others.

“Haaland should win. We won the treble because he scored 52 goals but, of course, Messi – his worst season is the best of most players. Both deserve it.

“Egotistically, I would sаy I want Erling because he helped us to achieve what we achieved, I would love it, but I won’t tell you it’s unfair if Leo wins.

“It’s nice that many players for Man City will be there for the first time in many years and challenging for these trophies. That makes us so proud for our organisation.”

.

After losing to Wolves and Arsenal in their last two Premier League games before the break, Champions City is aiming to turn things around this weekend.

However, they will have a difficult test when Brighton visits the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola has been quite pleased with Brighton’s results under manager Roberto De Zerbi.