Messi, Haaland both deserve to win Ballon d’Or – Guardiola

Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland both deserve to win the Ballon d’Or, according to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

Messi captained Argentina to triumph at the World Cup in Qatar while Haaland scored 52 goals in 53 games to help City win a treble of the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

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Messi and Haaland are the two favorites for the award which will be announced at a ceremony on October 30 and Guardiola said both players deserved to win.

I always said that the Ballon d’Or should be divided into two sections: one for Messi, then another for Haaland to win, yes,” Guardiola said in a press conference on Friday.

“We won the treble, he scored a million goals. The worst season for Messi is the best for the rest of the players. Both deserve it. Actually, I want Haaland to have it because he got us helped achieve what we have achieved, I would love to But Messi won the World Cup.”

Haaland scored twice for Norway in a 4-0 win over Cyprus during the international break and Guardiola hopes it will spark a return to form with City after going three club matches without a goal.

Brighton are the visitors to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday and Guardiola said John Stones was available, despite concerns over the defender’s presence in England’s two internationals during the break after being limited to just one substitute appearance for City until now this season.

“We were a little worried,” added Guardiola. “We spoke with Gareth [Southgate], we have an incredible relationship. We were worried because Stones didn’t play a single minute in the last two months and then played for the national team. It was so important and we couldn’t use it.

“We’re happy he got minutes, but what happens if he gets injured? So he plays a few minutes and goes out. They love playing for their country and I never say don’t go . Fortunately, everything went well and he is ready for the next matches.”