In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Lionel Messi recently secured his first World Cup victory. It adds another milestone to his illustrious career.
This achievement not only solidifies Messi’s status as one of the game’s greatest players. But it also presents a challenge for rising star Erling Haaland.
The young Norwegian talent is unable to showcase his abilities on the global stage due to his national team’s absence. Now he faces a disadvantage in his pursuit of football’s most esteemed honor, the Ballon d’Or.

Messi’s Fifth World Cup Victory
Messi’s fifth World Cup victory solidifies his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time. The Argentinean superstar has been a dominant force in international football. And his triumph in the World Cup further cements his legacy.
Winning the World Cup on his fifth attempt showcases Messi’s determination and resilience. It also gives him a significant advantage in the race for the Ballon d’Or. It is a prestigious award that often favors players who have performed well in major tournaments.
Messi’s active contribution to Argentina’s success cannot be understated. Because he scored crucial goals and was voted the best player of the tournament.
He did really, really well in the World Cup. That makes it very likely that he might win the Ballon d’Or again. He’s super good at playing soccer.
Haaland’s World Cup Absence
Sadly, Haaland can’t play in the World Cup. This means he can’t show how good he is to everyone in the world. The World Cup is where the best players play against each other.
Unfortunately, Haaland couldn’t play in the tournament because Norway didn’t make it. This means he won’t have the chance to show how good he is on the big stage and get famous all over the world.
On the other hand, Messi won the World Cup in 2022, which makes him more likely to win the Ballon d’Or. When you win the World Cup, it shows you can play really well even when there’s lots of pressure. Haaland’s not being in the tournament makes it harder for him to win the big award.
Messi’s Outstanding Performance in the World Cup
During the World Cup, Messi showed amazing skills and scored lots of goals. This made him one of the best players in the tournament. He helped Argentina win, and everyone said he was the best player!
This performance in the World Cup also boosts his chances for the Ballon d’Or, as winning the World Cup gives him an advantage over his competitors.
Additionally, Messi’s individual brilliance cannot be ignored. Because he scored 38 goals and provided 25 assists in the season.
Despite PSG’s early exit from the Champions League, Messi performed well individually. These impressive numbers, considering his age, further contribute to his Ballon d’Or chances.
In contrast, Haaland’s absence from the World Cup weakened his chances. He did not have the opportunity to display his skills and make a significant impact on the tournament.
Messi’s Impressive Individual Achievements

Messi did really great in the World Cup, and he scored lots of important goals. People also said he was the best player in the whole tournament. So, he has a good chance to win the Ballon d’Or because of his amazing skills.
Moreover, Messi’s individual brilliance cannot be overlooked. He scored 38 goals. He also gave 25 assists. This shows he is very good at playing soccer.
Even though PSG didn’t do well in the Champions League, Messi’s numbers are still great. This is because he is getting older, but he is still really good at playing soccer.
On the other hand, Haaland’s performance in big games, particularly in the later stages of the Champions League, was underwhelming. His lack of impact in crucial matches weakens his chances for the Ballon d’Or.
Ultimately, Messi’s World Cup triumph and his remarkable individual achievements make him a formidable contender for the award.
Haaland’s Struggles in Big Games
Also, people are worried about how Haaland plays in big games. They wonder if he can do well when there’s a lot of pressure. Some say he might not win the Ballon d’Or. Even though he’s young and scores lots of goals for Borussia Dortmund and Norway, he hasn’t done so great in important games.
In the Champions League, when it gets to the important rounds, Haaland doesn’t stand out like the older players. And in the FA Cup final, he didn’t do much to help his team win. This makes it clear that he struggles when the games are really big.
Haaland has had some tough times, and people wonder if he can do well when it’s really important. This is really important for winning big awards like the Ballon d’Or.
To be a top contender for this special award, Haaland has to show he can play great in tough situations, again and again.
The Importance of Team Performance for Haaland
Haaland is a great player, and his success depends on how well his team plays. Teamwork is super important for him to win the Ballon d’Or.
Even though Haaland is amazing on his own, his team’s success matters a lot for him to win the big award. Messi, for example, won the World Cup and was the best player there, but Haaland’s team, Norway, didn’t even get to play in it. That makes it harder for him to win the award.
Furthermore, Haaland hasn’t done very well in important games like the Champions League. This shows how important it is for the whole team to do great. If Haaland wants to win the Ballon d’Or, his team has to be amazing, and he needs to keep scoring lots of goals to help them win.
Messi’s Role as Argentina’s Key Player

Throughout his career, Messi has always been the main player for Argentina. He helped them win lots of games and is their most important player. He’s really good on the field and can do amazing things.
Messi can win games all by himself. He can score goals and help his team score too. He’s the leader of the team when they attack.
Messi doesn’t just play well; he also encourages his teammates. He’s a great help to Argentina, and everyone wants to see him play in big tournaments.
How Messi’s World Cup Triumph Affects Haaland’s Ballon D’or Chances
Messi’s World Cup triumph significantly diminishes Haaland’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.
The World Cup is like a super special soccer tournament. If you win it, you become super famous and might get the best player award, like the Ballon d’Or.
Messi won the World Cup with Argentina after trying five times. He’s really good and helped his team a lot by scoring important goals. People said he was the best player in the tournament.
But Haaland’s team from Norway didn’t even get to play in the World Cup. So, he might not have a big chance to win the Ballon d’Or. Even though he scored lots of goals, he didn’t do as well in the big games as Messi.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lionel Messi’s World Cup triumph has placed Erling Haaland at a disadvantage in the pursuit of the Ballon d’Or.
Haaland not playing in big games makes it harder for him to win a special award. The tournament helps players show how good they are and why they should get the award.
Messi did really well in the World Cup and won many awards. This makes him a top choice for the Ballon d’Or award.