With only hours remaining until the crowning jewel of the best player in the world, the football community has been left with a debate on who deserves to win the most prestigious individual award, the Ballon d’Or.

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland stand to be the two players in the spotlight following their respective seasons; however, the former Barcelona star is rumoured to be headed for his eighth Ballon d’Or.

Messi was at his best, having guided Argentina to a FIFA World Cup title in December last season and having been voted Player of the Tournament.

On the other hand, Haaland scored an unprecedented 56 goals in his first season for Manchester City and won the treble, including the UEFA Champions League.

Chipolopolo legendary goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene weighs in on the conversation.

“If the criteria is based on the World Cup then I am 100% sure Messi will win it,” he said during BolaNews’ Morning Live podcast. “Messi had a fantastic season with Argentina and won the World Cup.

Mweene said that if they are looking at both club and international achievements, then Haaland can also be a deserving winner.

“If the World Cup is the criteria they will use, then Messi will win it but if they look at what Haaland did for Manchester City last year, then he will win it,” he stated.

Whats the criteria used for the Ballon d’Or evaluation?

According to France Football, who are the organizers of the award, there are significant changes to the 2023 Ballon d’Or evaluation criteria.

Individual performance and the candidate’s decisive and impressive character take precedence over the collective aspect and trophies won, as well as the player’s class and sense of fair play.

Meanwhile, others shortlisted for the award include PSG’s Kylian Mbappe, Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, and Vincious Jr. of Real Madrid.

Liverpool’s Mohammed Salah and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen are the only Africans making the 20-man shortlist.