On Monday, Oct. 30, we’ll finally get to know who takes home the 2023 Ballon d’Or. Karim Benzema was the winner in 2022. Unlike last year, this edition has two candidates: Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland. However, it seems that France Football already knows who will win.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Argentine star is expected to have the upper hand on the Norwegian striker. In that case, Messi would extend his Ballon d’Or collection to eight. That’s more than any other player in history.

“Leo Messi, expected to win the Ballon d’Or 2023. Understand all the indications are set to be confirmed but Messi will be the final winner once again. Official decision to be unveiled Monday night in Paris,” wrote Romano on X (Twitter).

Other outlets have already echoed the leak, so it may be just a matter of time to see Messi take center stage at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France. However, there’s a polarizing debate behind this race for the award. Therefore, users reacted differently to the news.

Lionel Messi

Social media reacts to Messi possibly winning 2023 Ballon d’Or

The strongest argument against Messi is that Haaland had a perfect season with Manchester City. In his first year in England, the former Dortmund star scored 52 goals in 51 games. On top of that, he played a pivotal role in City’s treble (Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and FA Cup).

“This is coming from a lifelong Man United fan but Haaland is the real winner!,” replied @MUnitedXtra to Romano’s post. “This award lost its esteem when it was given to Messi over Lewandowski in 2021,” another user wrote.

However, just like many look unhappy with the leak, there are plenty other fans who believe Messi deserves the accolade. The 36-year-old made a strong case for himself at Qatar 2022, leading Argentina to an epic World Cup victory.

“Never let them tell you it was robbed,” wrote @ExclusiveMessi, along with a picture showing Messi had more goal contributions than Haaland during the voting period. The difference is just one goal (67 to 66), though.

Erling Haaland of Manchester City

Others complained about the fact that the winner was leaked five days before the official announcement. Of course, that takes away the fun of watching the event. Either way, the official decision will be revealed soon.

Messi’s World Cup success would make the difference

While Haaland had a fantastic campaign at the club level, the fact that Messi stole the show at the World Cup would give the Argentine star the edge. At 36, the former Barcelona star had a tournament to remember with seven goals in as many games.

SURVEY Who deserves to win the 2023 Ballon d'Or?

Who deserves to win the 2023 Ballon d'Or?

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The World Cup may take place every four years and it’s shorter than other competitions, but it’s definitely the most important tournament in the sport. Many stand against Messi’s favoritism due to his lackluster year with PSG and eventual move to MLS side Inter Miami. They are all fair points, but it seems that his strong play in Qatar will overshadow anything else, including Haaland’s unbelievable stats.

The 30 nominees for the 2023 Ballon d’Or

  1. Josko Gvardiol (Leipzig / Manchester City)
  2. Andre Onana (Inter Milan / Manchester United)
  3. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid / Al-Ittihad)
  4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
  5. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
  6. Randal Kolo Muani (Frankfurt / PSG)
  7. Jude Bellingham (Dortmund / Real Madrid)
  8. Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
  9. Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
  10. Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan)
  11. Yassine Bounou (Sevilla / Al-Hilal)
  12. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
  13. Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
  14. Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
  15. Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
  16. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)
  17. Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
  18. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
  19. Kim Min-Jae (Napoli / Bayern Munich)
  20. Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
  21. Julian Alvarez (Manchester City)
  22. Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
  23. Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City / Barcelona)
  24. Rodri (Manchester City)
  25. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
  26. Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
  27. Harry Kane (Tottenham / Bayern Munich)
  28. Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
  29. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
  30. Lionel Messi (PSG / Inter Miami)