Author: Soorya G
Bernardo Silva, Manchester City’s star player, has expressed his opinion on who could win the prestigious Ballon d’Or award in the 2022/23 season. When asked about his prediction for the winner of the award, the Portuguese admitted that Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Real Madrid’s Brazilian sensation Vinicius Jr. were at the top of the list to take home the honor. He also mentioned that Messi currently has the upper hand and could well make history by receiving his eighth Ballon d’Or, unless Manchester City or Real Madrid win the Champions League, which would make the race much tighter.
Silva mentioned that Messi had had a brilliant season for both club and country and, given his World Cup-winning campaign, in which he was eventually named the best player, he deserves all the glory that comes his way. He also mentioned that if Manchester City were to win the Champions League, he could also claim the prize, and that the same would apply to Vinicius Jr. if Los Blancos were to take home their 15th UEFA Champions League title.
“If Haaland wins the league and CL, you can put him in the Ballon d’Or discussion, and you can also talk about Vini Jr. if Madrid wins the CL, but in general, it’s between Messi and the winner of the champions, and so far, I’m going to give it to Messi“, said Silva.
Messi has had an excellent season so far, both for club and country. The Argentinian was the heart of his team at the World Cup, scoring seven goals, with at least one in every phase of the tournament. He won the Ballon d’Or after his country’s third World Cup victory and is also on course to lift the Ligue 1 trophy with PSG. Messi has more than 60 goals in all competitions and will be one of the main candidates for the Ballon d’Or.
Erling Haaland, meanwhile, has broken scoring records this season with 51 goals in all competitions, while Vincius Jr. has played a starring role in Real Madrid’s season so far. A victory in the Champions League could go a long way towards winning the prestigious award.