TalkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor had plenty of nice things to say about Manchester City star Erling Haaland – but he believes that Lionel Messi should be given the 2023 Ballon D’or instead of the Norwegian superstar.

He said that Haaland is ‘unlucky’ to be pitted against Messi this year, and believes that he will likely win the prestigious award ‘next year’.

Nevertheless, he waxed lyrical on the Argentinian phenom, saying he was ‘like a god on the pitch’ at the 2022 Qatar World Cup and that ‘he was outstanding’.

Haaland is not the only Manchester City player who is in the running for the 2023 Ballon D’or – Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Josko Gvardiol and Rodri are all among the list of nominees.

What did Gabby Agbonlahor say about Erling Haaland’s chances of winning the Ballon D’or?

Speaking on TalkSPORT, Agbonlahor said: “Winning the World Cup… he was outstanding. I was at the Mexico game and I’ve never felt adrenaline like it. The love he had from the Argentina fans.

“He was like a god on the pitch. Even that game against Mexico, it was tight and then he picks it up on his left foot… bang, bottom corner.

“In his mind, he was going to drag this team to win the World Cup. He’ll be unlucky Haaland, but his time will come, next year I would imagine. But when you win the World Cup and how well Messi played in that World Cup, it was outstanding.”

Should Manchester City striker Erling Haaland win the Ballon D’or?

For everything that Haaland achieved at club level last year, winning the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup, he certainly will be one of the top candidates to take the award home.

Despite this, arguing his case over the great Lionel Messi is a tough ask. The Argentine led a wonderful World Cup campaign, scoring seven goals and notching up three assists en route to lifting the trophy.

Messi was also successful at club level last season. He lifted the Ligue 1 trophy for PSG at the end of the season, as he scored 16 league goals and racked up 16 assists.