Erling Haaland’s spectacular treble with Manchester City and his status as the Premier League’s top scorer with 32 goals have made him a strong contender for the 2023 Golden Ball.

However, despite his impressive performances, it is still predicted that he will find it difficult to beat Lionel Messi in the race for the prestigious award.

Haaland’s first campaign at the Etihad was nothing short of remarkable, as he helped Pep Guardiola’s men make history with a hat-trick of titles: Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. The Norwegian striker was also voted as the best player of the season by the organizers.

In addition, Haaland is the highest scorer in the 2022/23 Champions League with 12 goals and has scored a total of 52 goals for Man City in all competitions this season. However, his lack of impact in big matches has raised doubts about his ability to win the Golden Ball.

Many fans believe that Messi is still the more popular choice for the award. The Argentine superstar led his country to victory in the 2022 World Cup, scoring 7 goals and receiving the Golden Ball of the tournament.

He also had a successful season with Paris Saint-Germain, scoring 20 goals and providing 20 assists in all competitions.

Despite Haaland’s impressive performances, many fans believe that Messi’s masterclass in the World Cup final and his consistent performances for PSG make him a more deserving candidate for the Golden Ball. Messi’s popularity and reputation as one of the greatest footballers of all time also work in his favor.

In conclusion, while Haaland’s treble and impressive goal-scoring record make him a strong contender for the 2023 Golden Ball, it is still predicted that he will find it difficult to beat Messi, who has proven himself as a consistent performer in big matches and a true legend of the game.