Man City star Erling Haaland thinks he can beat Lionel Messi to Ballon d'Or

Erling Haaland believes he has a good chance of winning the Ballon d'Or - even against odds-on favourite Lionel Messi.

Haaland scored 52 goals in his debut season at Manchester City, helping the Blues win the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup, before they added the Super Cup to their collection at the start of this season. Few players have had a better individual season than Haaland, who set multiple Premier League goalscoring records.

Usually a year like Haaland's would put him as firm favourite for the Ballon d'Or award, but the Norwegian is not favourite for the 2023 accolade due to Lionel Messi's World Cup-winning exploits with Argentina.

Messi dragged Argentina through the World Cup in Qatar in December, scoring twice in the final and also in their victorious penalty shoot-out. While his form for PSG was good, it was not on the same level as Haaland's, so the City man says he believes he has a good chance of upsetting the odds when the winner is announced at the end of October.

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Speaking to France Football, who organise the Ballon d'Or, Haaland was discussing his chances and his ability to improve from his incredible 12 months in Manchester.

Asked if he considered himself the best striker in the world, he replied diplomatically: "In my mind… It all depends on what we mean by striker. It's a trick question. I'm definitely up there. Am I the best? Maybe.'

"I know I can still improve a great deal. I'm still young. But yes, I believe I have a chance [at winning the Ballon d'Or] this year."

Another player who may rival Haaland and Messi for the prestigious award is Kylian Mbappe, who played a key part in getting France to the World Cup