Julian Alvarez has publicly thrown his support behind Lionel Messi for the Ballon d’Or, favoring the Argentine superstar over his Manchester City colleague, Erling Haaland. This endorsement is in line with the sentiment expressed by their shared manager, Pep Guardiola, who also proposed the idea of splitting the award to recognize both players. While both Messi and Haaland had exceptional seasons, Alvarez emphasized Messi’s strong claim to the award due to his World Cup triumph.
At the Ballon d’Or event, Julian Alvarez took the opportunity to praise Lionel Messi’s outstanding season and his remarkable performance in the World Cup. Alvarez went a step further by recommending a division of the prestigious award. He suggested that one part of the award should be dedicated to Messi, while the other should be for the remaining top players, thereby underscoring Messi’s exceptional year.
In his endorsement of Messi, Alvarez highlighted the uniqueness of his achievements, particularly the World Cup victory, which is a rare feat in football. This sentiment echoed the views of Pep Guardiola, who had also championed the idea of having multiple Ballon d’Or categories to honor both Messi and Haaland as deserving winners.
Pep Guardiola, who manages both Messi and Haaland at Manchester City, recognized the fantastic accomplishments of both players. Guardiola acknowledged Messi’s extraordinary season and the strong case for Haaland to secure the Ballon d’Or. However, he made it clear that the scale tipped in Messi’s favor due to his historic World Cup victory, which was a pivotal moment in his career.
Lionel Messi’s performance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup was indeed exceptional, and it was a tournament that captivated the footballing world. Messi played an instrumental role in leading the Argentina national team to victory, contributing not only with his playmaking skills but also scoring crucial goals. In seven matches, he managed to find the back of the net four times, showcasing his versatility and ability to perform on the grandest stage of international football.
The proposal for multiple Ballon d’Or categories is an interesting one, as it acknowledges the outstanding performances of multiple exceptional players in a given year. While Messi’s case for the award seems particularly strong in 2022, it also recognizes the talent and achievements of others in the football world. This idea has generated significant attention and debate among football enthusiasts and experts, with many weighing in on whether such a change in the award structure is warranted.
As per reports, Lionel Messi is widely expected to secure his eighth Ballon d’Or at the Paris ceremony. This achievement would further solidify his legendary status in the football world, making him one of the most decorated and celebrated players in the history of the sport. Messi’s remarkable journey from a young talent in Argentina to a global football icon is a testament to his extraordinary talent, hard work, and dedication to the game.
