A fan has seemingly found a link between Erling Haaland’s age and the outcome of this year’s Ballon d’Or award.
The star-studded ceremony will take place in Paris on October 16 and whilst Erling Haaland’s scintillating first season at Manchester City will likely see him on the podium, a familiar face is widely tipped to pick up the crown.
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Lionel Messi’s World Cup exploits with Argentina could see him land a historic eighth award and according to one fan, there is a pattern that almost guarantees the Inter Miami star another gong.
The fan argues that Messi’s Ballon d’Or wins coincide with his main rivals reaching the age of 23.
And for good measure, Messi won the Ballon d’Or aged 23 – his second in a sequence of four-consecutive wins.
The fan tweeted: “Messi won the Ballon D’Or at the age of 23. When Cristiano was 23, Messi won the Ballon D’Or. When Neymar Jr was 23, Messi won the Ballon D’Or. Messi won the Ballon D’Or when Mbappé was 23 years old. Haaland recently turned 23. You know the drill.”
Whilst the fan can be given top marks for observation, it remains to be seen whether the 36-year-old will be rewarded for his World Cup win last December.
Messi was instrumental in Argentina’s first triumph in the competition since 1986 and scored twice in the unforgettable penalty shootout win over France in the final.
The 2022 World Cup may have been Messi’s last at the tournament but with seven goals to his name there was no better way for him to bow out of the biggest stage.
His first goal in the opening game against Saudi Arabia broke another milestone as he became the first Argentine player to score in four World Cups (2006, 2014, 2018, 2022).
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A goal against Mexico proceeded a double in the round-of-16 clash with the Netherlands.
Another strike against Croatia helped send Argentina to the final where he dragged his side to a third World Cup in dramatic fashion.
Messi has also made an electrifying start to life in MLS after leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the 2022/23 season.
With the Copa America kicking off next summer, few would bet against Messi lifting a third consecutive trophy with La Albiceleste.
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