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Sergio Aguero believes that Manchester City’s prolific forward Erling Haaland has not lost his best chance to win the Ballon d’Or, even after finishing behind Lionel Messi in 2023. The Norwegian goal machine had an unforgettable debut season at the Etihad Stadium, helping his club secure a historic Treble, yet saw Argentine legend Messi claim the sport’s top individual honour.

Messi edged Haaland to the award due to his extraordinary exploits at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The South American maestro, who now holds eight Ballon d’Or titles, led Argentina to glory on the grandest stage, completing his medal collection and producing magical performances in the knockout rounds that made his selection inevitable.

Despite that, Haaland’s club form in England was nothing short of sensational. He guided Manchester City to success in the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League during the 2022-23 season, which was interrupted by the winter World Cup. Across all competitions, Haaland scored 52 goals in 53 appearances — a truly remarkable feat.

City manager Pep Guardiola, who previously managed Messi at Barcelona, shared his thoughts at the time: “Haaland should win, yes, we won the treble and he scored 50, I don't know, million goals. But of course, if you tell me the worst Messi season? That’s the best for the rest of the players. Both deserve it, what can I say?”

Guardiola went on to add: “Egotistically I would say Erling because he helped us achieve what we achieved. I would love it. But if Leo wins, they won the World Cup. It's wonderful that so many Manchester City players are there for the first time in many years, competing at that level. That makes us so proud.”

Haaland eventually finished second behind Messi in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings. However, he dropped to fifth the following year and fell further to 26th in the 2025 voting, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele emerging as the new world number one.

Nevertheless, Haaland has started the 2025-26 campaign in blistering form. In just 12 appearances for Manchester City and Norway, he has netted 21 goals, including a five-goal masterclass against Moldova and a hat-trick versus Israel. Guardiola’s team currently sit fifth in the Premier League and look ready to challenge for major honours again.

Discussing Haaland’s path to potentially securing the Ballon d’Or, former City star Aguero — whose club scoring record may soon be broken by the Norwegian — told Stake: “Why should it be said that Erling Haaland has missed his Ballon d’Or opportunity? The season has only just begun and he’s still in contention. His consistency, and that of other players, will decide the outcome, but the Champions League result will be crucial for the Ballon d’Or as well.”

After narrowly losing out to Messi in 2023, Haaland showed great sportsmanship, telling reporters: “He won those trophies and also the World Cup. He is the best of all time, in my opinion.”

Meanwhile, Messi continues to shine in the United States with Inter Miami. Now 38 years old, the Argentine icon is showing no signs of slowing down. Aguero, his close friend and former international teammate, expressed his hopes for Messi’s continued career: “I think everyone wants Leo to play forever, don’t we all? But it will be up to him to decide when the time comes.”

Reports suggest Messi could soon extend his contract with Inter Miami, following in the footsteps of his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who continues to play past 40 years of age with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

Messi has scored 34 goals for the Herons this season across all competitions, breaking more records and placing himself in contention for another MVP title. His performances have driven Inter Miami into the play-offs, as they prepare for a serious push for the MLS Cup.