Michail Antonio believes it would be a “scandal” if Lionel Messi beats Erling Haaland to the 2023 Ballon d’Or.

WHAT HAPPENED? The West Ham striker argued that Haaland – who scored 52 goals for Manchester City in all competitions last season – deserves to win the prize despite Messi captaining Argentina to World Cup glory in December.

WHAT THEY SAID: Speaking on the Footballer’s Football Podcast, Antonio said: “I understand Messi winning the World Cup is massive, but you can’t look past a treble-winning team and what Haaland bought to that, breaking records. He deserves that Ballon d’Or. If he doesn’t get it then it’s a scandal.”

Newcastle forward Callum Wilson agreed, adding: “What Haaland did last season can’t be overlooked. If you take away international football and compare statistically… Haaland should win the award. You can’t look past Messi winning his first World Cup as it’s a big contributing factor, but club football-wise he’s been playing in America which is very different to Haaland in the Premier League.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: After breaking the record for the most goals scored in a single Premier League season (36) and helping City win the treble, Haaland is up for the Ballon d’Or best men’s player award alongside the likes of Messi, Kylian Mbappe and City teammate Rodri. According to reports, Messi – who joined Inter Miami in July – has been told that he will win the award for a record-extending eighth time.

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IN THREE PHOTOS:

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WHAT NEXT FOR HAALAND AND MESSI?: Messi’s club season is over after Inter Miami failed to qualify for the MLS playoffs. Haaland, meanwhile, has already scored nine goals in all competitions this season for City, who will face arch-rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford in their next Premier League game.