Messi does it all. He makes teams great. He makes them exciting to watch. He makes everything look easy. He can do it all. Hit 'Follow' at the top of this page and if you are using the BBC Sport app, tap the bell icon to get Man City news, analysis, podcasts and more sent straight to youImage source, Getty ImagesFrench football journalist Julien Laurens believes Erling Haaland can consider himself unlucky to finish second in the Ballon d'Or ranking behind Lionel Messi. Haaland scored 52 goals as Manchester City won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League - but lost out to Messi, who inspired Argentina to World Cup glory in December. When asked if Haaland was unlucky or if the award was deserved for Messi, Laurens told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast: "It's a bit of both really. "I know I sit on the fence but it's true, because Messi is the greatest of all time - I think there's no debate any more - but it's not an award for the best player of all time and it's not even an award for the best player at the World Cup.
"This is where I think the debate is interesting, because Messi was amazing in Qatar, he won the World Cup with Argentina over seven games, only seven games - but this award is for the full calendar year, not just seven games. "It's from January to mid-October. You could argue in that period Haaland was incredible, even if he didn't win the World Cup or even go to the World Cup. Same in a way maybe for Kylian Mbappe, same for Rodri. "For Messi outside of the World Cup, those seven incredible matches he had with his country, the rest was good of course and he's the greatest of all time but it was certainly not at the level of Haaland. "I can understand the disappointment for Haaland and Manchester City fans but then again it's Messi and it was hard to see the voters not vote for him in the end.
"Listen to the full discussion from 1:18:50Hit 'Follow' at the top of this page and if you are using the BBC Sport app, tap the bell icon to get Man City news, analysis, podcasts and more sent straight to youDespite scoring 52 goals in all competitions to help fire Manchester City to a historic treble, Erling Haaland was beaten to the Ballon D'or last night by Lionel Messi. Did he deserve it? Was the award too centered on the World Cup? Is it is a matter of time before it is Haaland on that stage? Let us know your thoughts hereMedia caption, After Lionel Messi extended his Ballon D'or record to eight wins on Monday night, BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club discuss whether Treble-winner Erling Haaland should have beaten the World Cup winner to the award. Chris Sutton said: "We're sick of Messi winning it.
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However, Manchester City have not lost at home for almost 12 months and Erling Haaland is in fine form with 13 goals already this season. If Iraola is to get one over his fellow countryman, he will have to do it the hard way. Hit 'Follow' at the top of this page and if you are using the BBC Sport app, tap the bell icon to get City news, analysis, podcasts and more sent to youEllie Thomason, BBC SportPep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Bournemouth. Here are the key lines from the Manchester City boss:He said Erling Haaland was not disappointed to finish second behind Lionel Messi in the men's Ballon d'Or: " I saw him so happy to win the award he won and be a contender close to [Kylian] Mbappe and [Lionel] Messi.
Messi (along with Emi Martinez) effectively had to carry his team to the World Cup at the age of 35! Without Haaland, City would have still won a lot. Without Messi, Argentina stood no chance. David: Haaland is a great striker. He scores goals. He is not the second best player in the world. Never will be. He plays for a team but is not a team player. He only scores goals because the team make it possible. Like Ronaldo.
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He is very much concerned about keeping full control of the game and not leaving any gaps for the counter. When Rodri is there he feels they are in a much better situation. Full-backs can go knowing there is extra cover and Rodri understands his role comes into play when he helps the centre-backs. He gets out to wider areas and allows a player like Ruben Dias to go further forward as he can step back into those positions.
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Defensively that is so important and I think that is what he was brought in to become. What Rodri has developed over the years for me with Guardiola is how good he is on the ball now. He takes the ball in situations, draws people in to come and press, then can create a box at times with someone like John Stones coming in next to him.
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