Haaland Suggests Messi’s Retirement Needed for New Football Era

In a recent media interview, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland suggested that Lionel Messi would need to retire for someone else to be recognized as the best in football.

Haaland’s remarks came ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League match against FC Copenhagen.

While Messi is widely hailed as the greatest footballer globally, Haaland and Kylian Mbappe were beaten by the Argentine captain for the 2023 Ballon d’Or.

“Maybe he [Messi] has to retire for someone else to be regarded as the best,” Haaland said (via Barca Universal).

Additionally, Messi boasts a World Cup win in his illustrious career.