Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has compared Norwegian striker Erling Haaland to Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo(38) and Argentina’s Lionel Messi(35).

The Spaniard claimed that Haaland is now on the same level as the two players who are regarded as the greatest footballers in history.

Guardiola was drawn into the debate after Haaland scored his 30th Premier League goal of the season against Southampton on Saturday.

The Norwegian scored with a bicycle kick in City’s 1-4 victory over the Saints to complete a brace.

His brace also meant that he has now scored 44 goals for Manchester City this season across all competitions.

Guardiola stated after the game that Haaland is now on the same level as Ronaldo and Messi due to his unstoppable scoring ability.

“As a top scorer we lived two incredible decades with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi…. But he is on that level,” Guardiola said.

His statement has sparked debate among fans who believe the 22-year-old is not yet on the same level as the two greats.

Why does Guardiola think Haaland is now on the same level as Messi and Ronaldo?

In comparison with the two, Haaland has scored more goals (200) for both club and country before turning 23 with 243 fewer games.

Messi scored 140 goals in 262 games while Ronaldo scored 102 in 303 appearances for club and country, according to Transfermarket.

In terms of trophies and individual accolades, the former Red Bull Salzburg striker trails. Before turning 23, Messi and Ronaldo had already won 11 and 5 trophies, respectively, as well as numerous individual awards.

READ MORE: Frank Lampard says he won’t solve Chelsea’s problems in one day

READ MORE: Daka’s likely reunion with Jesse Marsch excites Leicester City fans

Two years ago, Haaland said Spanish publication Marca that Ronaldo and Messi ‘are still very far away’.

“The media are the ones who write about it,” Haaland said. “I don’t focus on those things.”

His record-breaking Premier League debut season, however, has prompted comparisons to Ronaldo and Messi from sources other than the press.