Pep Guardiola claims Erling Haaland deserves to win the Ballon d'Or - but so does Lionel Messi.Haaland has been nominated for the coveted prize after scoring 52 goals in Manchester City's treble-winning campaign.Yet City boss Guardiola has always maintained his former Barcelona talisman, who inspired Argentina to World Cup success in 2022, is the best player he has ever coached.Guardiola said: "I always said that the Ballon d'Or had to be of two sections - one for Messi and one for the others."H

Pep Guardiola claims Erling Haaland deserves to win the Ballon d'Or - but so does Lionel Messi.Haaland has been nominated for the coveted prize after scoring 52 goals in Manchester City's treble-winning campaign.Yet City boss Guardiola has always maintained his former Barcelona talisman, who inspired Argentina to World Cup success in 2022, is the best player he has ever coached.Guardiola said: "I always said that the Ballon d'Or had to be of two sections - one for Messi and one for the others."Haaland should win. We won the treble because he scored 52 goals but, of course, Messi - his worst season is the best of most players. Both deserve it."Egotistically, I would say I want Erling because he helped us to achieve what we achieved, I would love it, but I won't tell you it's unfair if Leo wins."