Erling Haaland deserves to win the Ballon d’or, insists Pep Guardiola… before the Man City boss jokes the award should have one section for Lionel Messi and another for everyone else

• Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland are front-runners for this year’s Ballon d’Or
• Guardiola has claimed Haaland deserves to win but he wouldn’t begrudge Messi
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’ 

Pep Guardiola believes Erling Haaland deserves to win this year’s Ballon d’Or but claimed that biggest rival Lionel Messi should have a monopoly on the trophy.

Haaland and seven-time winner Messi are the frontrunners to lift the crown in Paris later this month.

The Manchester City manager was clearly torn between last season’s 52-goal striker during the historic Treble and the greatest player he has ever coached.

‘I always said that the Ballon d’Or had to be two sections: one for Messi and one for the others,’ Guardiola said. ‘Haaland should win, yes, after scoring 50 million goals.

‘But of course Messi, if you tell me the worst season of Messi it is the best for the rest of them. Both deserve it.

Pep Guardiola believes Man City star Erling Haaland deserves to win this year’s Ballon d’Or

But Guardiola claimed he wouldn’t begrudge Lionel Messi if the Argentine won the award

‘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.

‘It’s nice that many players for Man City will be there for the first time in many years and challenging for these trophies. That makes us so proud for our organisation.’

City, who have lost their last two Premier League games, have ‘one of the toughest’ tasks of the season against Brighton on Saturday.

Guardiola is a huge admirer of Roberto De Zerbi and is wary of the threat they will pose at the Etihad Stadium.

He joked that Messi is so good that he should have his own category for the Ballon d’Or award

Guardiola also explained his relief at John Stones returning from international duty unscathed

City can call upon John Stones after his return from injury over the international break and Guardiola revealed the complex situation the champions had with England over the defender’s fitness.

‘We were a little bit concerned,’ Guardiola added. ‘We spoke with Gareth, we have an incredible relationship. Txiki (Begiristain) text him after the game.

‘We were concerned because John hadn’t played a single minute (this season). He’s been an important figure but we couldn’t use him. It’s perfect for us if he gets minutes but what happens if he gets injured?

‘They said they would take care of him. Fortunately everything was right and he is ready. We want our players in the national teams. They love to play for their countries. I’ve never said don’t go there.’

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