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Some football fans do not understand why Messi's World Cup triumph was not enough to beat Haaland for the UEFA Men's Player of the Year award.
The 2023 UEFA Awards took place at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco same as the Champions League draws on Thursday, August 31, 2023.
The Group pairings drew excitement based on the placements however the awards have sparked mixed reactions on social media.
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19:06 - 31.08.2023
Messi misses out as Haaland, Guardiola win UEFA awards
Argentine star Lionel Messi has missed out on winning the 2022–2023 UEFA award despite reaching the Champions League Round of 16 with PSG.
Erling Haaland beats Lionel Messi to UEFA Award
Erling Haaland of Manchester City won the UEFA Men's Player of the Year award for 2022–23, defeating Lionel Messi of Argentina for the honor.
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Haaland was the goal-getter for an outstanding 2022–23 campaign that saw City win the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League.
Haaland led all scorers in the Champions League with 12 goals and scored 52 goals overall, which is a Premier League club record for a player.
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There were some fans who believed that Messi's exploits leading Argentina to the World Cup would be enough for him to win the award ahead of Haaland.
Following Haaland's victory there was a debate as to if Messi's World Cup win was ignored to give Haaland the award.
Haaland to beat Messi to Ballon d'Or?
Messi won the FIFA Player of the Year following his exploits at the World Cup.
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However, the Argentine has left Paris Saint-Germain for Inter Miami in the United States.
After Haaland's victory, some fans are now uncertain about his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or.
Some fans expected Messi to have a clean sweep but now he is one of 2 with the Ballon d'Or next.
See reactions as Haaland beats Messi to UEFA Award ahead of Ballon d'Or
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The debate on who will win the 2023 Ballon d'Or award will be settled on Monday, October 30, 2023.
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