Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, says Argentine superstar, Lionel Messi, should have his own category at the Ballon d’Or.

Guardiola, a former coach of Barcelona, said Messi, a World Cup winner, and Manchester City striker, Erling Haaland, would both be deserving winners of the prize.

Messi, who recently left Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for Inter Miami, is favourite to win the Ballon d’Or for a record-extending eighth time after leading Argentina to World Cup glory last year.

Haaland could be his main rival after scoring 52 goals in 53 games to help City win the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup last season.

Guardiola knows the qualities of both players better than most, previously coaching Messi at Barcelona and currently managing Haaland with City.

Speaking on Friday, the manager said: “Always I said that the Ballon d’Or should be in two sections, one for Messi, and after look for the other one, so Haaland should win, yes.

“We won the treble because he scored 50 million goals but of course Messi, if you tell me the worst season for Messi is the best for the rest of the players.

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“Both deserve it, so what can I say?

“Egotistically, I would say I want Erling because he helped us to achieve what we achieved, I would love it, but I won’t tell you it’s unfair if Leo wins.

“It’s nice that many players for Man City will be there for the first time in many years and challenging for these trophies. That makes us so proud for our organisation.”

City are hoping to get back to winning ways against Brighton on Saturday after losing their previous two league matches against Wolves and Arsenal.

The Star