'Outside the World Cup, Messi was not at the level of Haaland'

French 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 1:18:50

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