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There was a strange atmosphere when Lionel Messi (36) was named world footballer for the eighth time in London on Monday evening. The applause remained subdued; most people probably expected a different election outcome.
For many, Erling Haaland (23) was the top favorite. Finally, the Norwegian won the treble in the period relevant to the award (December 19, 2022 to August 20, 2023), consisting of the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. He also scored a total of 34 goals for club and country. Messi scored 24 times during this period and only won the French Championship and the Super Cup. The World Cup title no longer mattered.
“Messi should not be the winner”
The reaction to the surprise winner has been accordingly. Pep Guardiola (52), Haaland’s coach at Manchester City, frowns, father Alf-Inge Haaland (51) looks a bit angry.
Lothar Matthäus (62) said after the award ceremony on Sky: “He cannot be the winner this time. I think he was the best footballer of the last twenty years, but he didn’t win big titles in Paris and Miami, where he is now creating a lot of hype.” There is no way around Haaland for him anymore.
The fact that neither he nor anyone else from his entourage is present shows that Messi himself probably did not necessarily expect the award. Presenter Thierry Henry (46), who played 89 games with Messi at FC Barcelona between 2007 and 2010, accepted the award without hesitation.
Xhaka and Yakin chose Messi
However, the figures show that the elections were extremely close. Both have 48 points and therefore the votes of the national team captains are decisive. And there the magical flea was voted first 107 times, Haaland only 67 times.
The Norwegian super clipper is in the spotlight among trainers and media professionals. However, as the fans clearly voted for Messi, a stalemate ensued.
Swiss captain Granit and his teammate Julian Alvarez took 2nd place.
Source : Blick
I’m Emma Jack, a news website author at 24 News Reporters. I have been in the industry for over five years and it has been an incredible journey so far. I specialize in sports reporting and am highly knowledgeable about the latest trends and developments in this field.
