Javier Zanetti has expressed his support for Lionel Messi to win the 2023 Ballon d'Or award, even though Erling Haaland won a treble in his first season with Manchester City.

Both Messi and Haaland are strong contenders for the prestigious award this year, given their exceptional performances for Argentina and Manchester City, respectively.

As reported by Sportskeeda, Zanetti believes that Messi's achievement of winning the World Cup with his country surpasses other accomplishments and puts him in the prime position to secure his eighth Ballon d'Or title.

"I think Messi deserves it because he managed to fulfil his dream of winning the World Cup as an absolute protagonist. In my opinion, he's been the best for several years."

The veteran led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title, his country’s first since Diego Armando Maradona last won the title for La Albiceleste in 1986.

Di Maria lauds Messi partnership

Meanwhile, Angel di Maria has revealed that playing alongside his compatriot, Messi, has been the best thing that has happened in his glittering career, Daily Post reports.

The ex-Real Madrid star shared the pitch with the veteran both at a club level - with Paris Saint-Germain - and at an international level, where they won the 2022 World Cup.

While Messi will officially join Inter Miami in MLS once his contract expires this month, Di Maria could join Benfica after leaving Juventus as a free agent this summer.

Messi wins Ligue 1 award

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Argentine captain, Messi being adjudged 'best foreign player' in Ligue 1 for the 2022/23 campaign.

The 36-year-old notched 16 league goals and provided 16 assists for Paris Saint-Germain in the French top flight division last term.

Messi, who won the 2022 World Cup midway through the season, aided PSG in winning the title before signing with Inter Miami in MLS.