The 2023 Ballon d’Or award will be given to former Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain superstar Lionel Messi, according to recent reports

Ballon d’Or ranking ‘leaked’ as Lionel Messi beats Erling Haaland to award.

Footballing icon Lionel Messi is anticipated to win the 2023 Ballon d’Or award after the rankings were reportedly leaked. Messi, who has won the award seven times already, led Argentina to their first World Cup glory since 1986 last year, with the tournament counting towards this year’s trophy.

The former Barcelona playmaker also won the Ligue 1 title with French giants Paris Saint-Germain before heading for the MLS in the summer, joining David Beckham’s Inter Miami in July. Catalan newspaper Sport, via the Mirror, have claimed that the 36-year-old has been informed he will be presented as the winner in Paris later this month.

Manchester City frontman Erling Haaland will therefore miss out on the award despite enjoying a hugely impressive 2022/23 campaign with Pep Guardiola’s side. Haaland netted 36 times in the Premier League last term, beating out Mohamed Salah’s previous record for a 38-game season.

The Norway international’s effort helped City win the treble, lifting the Premier League, FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League. The Citizens beat out Arsenal in the league title race, pipping Mikel Arteta and Co by five points.

Two Gunners stars were recognised for their hugely impressive years, with club captain Martin Odegaard and Hale End academy graduate Bukayo Saka both nominated for the award. Meanwhile, former Tottenham Hotspur centre-forward Harry Kane also received a nomination, with the England captain eventually leaving north London for Bayern Munich during the summer transfer window.