Lionel Messi could indirectly help Real Madrid sign Erling Haaland in the next transfer window.
Messi is still at the top of the world. In October, the Argentine won his eighth Ballon d’Or, and in January he was named FIFA’s The Best player for 2023. Both times, he beat Haaland, who had a stellar season with Manchester City, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, and the 2023 Onze d’Or. However, these Ballon d’Or and The Best snubs could lead Haaland to reconsider his future away from Manchester.
Messi wins again
According to Marca, Haaland’s camp believes that if the Norwegian had played for Real Madrid, he would have received more support and likely won those two individual awards. Real Madrid has a history of using its influence to promote its players, most recently with Luka Modric in 2018, when he won the Ballon d’Or despite France winning the World Cup. Messi’s recent individual awards could give Real Madrid a big boost in their pursuit of Haaland. It would be a strange twist of fate for the former Barcelona star.
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