Pep Guardiola has congratulated Lionel Messi on winning the Ballon d’Or and says Erling Haaland has ‘all his career ahead of him’ to win the award.
Haaland finished as runner-up in the vote for football’s most prestigious individual award on Monday, despite scoring 52 goals in all competitions as Manchester City won a Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble last season.
The Norwegian missed out on the award to Messi, who claimed an eighth Ballon d’Or after inspiring Argentina to World Cup success last winter.
It was an otherwise positive night for the Premier League champions however, who had five players inside the top 10 of the vote and won the Men’s Club of the Year award after their treble success.
“It was a good night for City and congratulations to Messi,” Guardiola said at his press conference ahead of City’s fixture with Bournemouth in the Premier League.
“We were there, it’s so important for us as we have not always been there in the past.
“[Haaland] has all his career ahead of him. Maybe next season I can be there if we continue to win things with the team.”
Guardiola discussed the challenge Bournemouth will pose his team and praised Cherries coach Andoni Iraola, after his compatriot earned a first Premier League win last weekend.
“After [earning] the first win they are confident. They competed well against Liverpool (Carabao Cup).
“Andoni [Iraola] is incredibly well respected in Spain and did a great job at Rayo Vallecano. They have good spirits and do not sit back. Results give confidence.”
