'There has to be a separate section for Messi': Guardiola delivers brilliant response to Ballon d'Or question

"I always said that the Ballon d'Or had to be two sections: one for Messi and one for the others," Pep Guardiola has told the media.

"So, Haaland should win - yes. We won the treble and he scored 50 million goals. The worst season of Messi is the best for the rest."

If you can imagine the perfect response to the Ballon d'Or question, this is it. And of course it comes from Pep who loves Leo eternally.

Leo Messi is the clear-cut favourite to win his 8th Ballon d'Or. The Argentine is expected to comfortably beat Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe for the top spot.

Major difference Pep Guardiola highlighted between Messi and Haaland as Ballon d'Or gala approaches

The 36-year-old won the World Cup and enjoyed a great season with Paris Saint-Germain despite having missed out on the Champions League trophy.

The ceremony will take place on October 30.