Messi and Haaland: The Leading Contenders for the 2023 Ballon d’Or:
L’Equipe magazine has highlighted four key changes introduced by France Football for the selection criteria of the most outstanding player of the year, following Karim Benzema’s triumph in the 2022 Ballon d’Or. One notable change is the revised evaluation period for the award.
Under the previous system, the Ballon d’Or was determined based on players’ performances throughout the calendar year, from January to December. However, the new rule stipulates that the voting process will now consider performances within each season, from August to July of the following year.
With the old rule, the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup would not have been a factor for candidates to leverage and gather votes for the 2023 Ballon d’Or, potentially giving Haaland an advantage. However, with the revised timeline, Messi holds the upper hand due to his significant contributions in helping Argentina win the World Cup for the first time in 33 years.
Emphasis on Individual Achievements:
Another significant change is the increased focus on individual accomplishments rather than collective team achievements when evaluating the candidates.
L’Equipe highlights that this shift will play a prominent role in future selections, with voters being required to assess how an individual candidate’s personal performances stand out before considering the titles they have won with their respective clubs. By this criterion, Messi seems to have an edge over Haaland in the 2023 voting process.
Messi vs. Haaland: The Battle of Numbers and Impact:
Haaland’s remarkable record of scoring 52 goals in 53 matches last season for Manchester City surpasses Messi’s tally of 38 goals for PSG. However, the Norwegian striker’s performances in high-profile matches were somewhat lackluster, while Messi was the one who found the back of the net in crucial games during Argentina’s journey to winning the World Cup 2022.
Changes in the Selection Process:
Traditionally, the editorial team of France Football compiles the list of nominees, with 30 players making the cut for the Ballon d’Or, while another 20 contend for the Kopa Trophy, the award honoring the best young player of the year.
However, starting from 2022, L’Équipe has introduced additional experts to the Ballon d’Or voting panel, such as former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, who was the UEFA Champions League winner in 2012. The inclusion of these experts is expected to bring more insight and astuteness to the selection process, ensuring a fairer and more knowledgeable choice of nominees and the ultimate winner.
Reduced Representation and Messi’s Advantage:
Furthermore, the number of national representatives eligible for Ballon d’Or voting has been reduced to the top 100 ranked nations according to FIFA. Overall, with these new changes, Messi is still considered to have the upper hand over Haaland in the race for the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
Lionel Messi’s move to the United States has heightened his chances of clinching the 2023 Ballon d’Or, as he remains a strong contender despite leaving Europe. However, Erling Haaland’s outstanding performances and achievements cannot be overlooked, making the battle for the prestigious award an intriguing one. Only time will tell who will emerge as the deserving winner of the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
