Ballon d'Or 2023 odds show Erling Haaland has one major obstacle standing in his way
manchestereveningnews.co.ukArgentina captain Lionel Messi is an odds-on favourite to pick up his eighth Ballon d'Or after nominations for the 2023 award were confirmed, with no place on the shortlist for long-standing rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi, 36, guided his country to a memorable World Cup triumph in Qatar before embarking on a new adventure with Inter Miami.
He signed for the MLS franchise part-owned by David Beckham from PSG this summer. Manchester City have been strongly represented in the 30-strong nominations list with seven players - including Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne - while Premier League superstars such as Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) and Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) are also shortlisted.
Manchester United have just a solitary nominee in Andre Onana - signed from Inter Milan this summer. Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Julian Alvarez complete the City contingent while former Blues captain Ilkay Gundogan, now with Spanish giants Barcelona, is also on the list. ALSO READ: Nominations for Ballon d'Or award 2023 confirmed According to bookmakers Bet365 - as per their website - Messi (1/12) is a standout candidate to extend his record.
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