Ballon d’Or: ‘It’s a scandal’ – Michail Antonio names player who deserves award

Michail Antonio of West Ham United has stated that it would be shameful if Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland was not awarded the 2023 Ballon d’Or winner ahead of Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi.

Antonio believes Haaland, who won the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League, deserves the Ballon d’Or this year instead of Messi.

“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,” Antonio stated on his Footballers’ Footballer podcast (via Manchester Evening News).

READ ALSO: Lionel Messi set to win eighth Ballon d’Or’ after World Cup success with Argentina

“He is deserving of the Ballon d’Or.” If he doesn’t receive it, it’ll be a scandal.”

Haaland was outstanding in his debut season for Manchester City.

In 53 games, the Norwegian scored 52 goals and had nine assists.

The 23-year-old was also the top scorer in the UEFA Champions League, netting 12 times in 11 matches.

Kanyidaily recalls that Lionel Messi set to win eighth Ballon dor after World Cup success with Argentina.