- Haaland accepts Messi's supremacy
- Came second behind Messi in 2023 Ballon d'Or race
- Haaland hailed Messi as the GOAT
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Getty/GOALErling Haaland suggests he can only win Ballon d'Or once Lionel Messi retires as Man City striker concedes Inter Miami superstar is 'the best to ever play football'
Exclusive Streaming Home
Peacock Premium
✅ Streams roughly 175 exclusive live matches per season that are completely blacked out on traditional TV.
✅ Acts as the league's US archive, providing full on-demand match replays shortly after every live broadcast concludes.
✅ Streams the popular "Goal Rush" whip-around show, which jumps between live highlights during the packed Saturday 10:00 a.m. ET window.
Monthly from$12.99
Budget Cord-Cutter
Sling TV
✅ Provides nationwide access to USA Network, securing the primary cable home for the league's linear broadcasts.
✅ Includes access to live, local NBC affiliates for the marquee weekend matches in designated major media markets.
✅ Serves as the cheapest way to access live cable TV sports channels without paying for a bloated traditional bundle.
Monthly from$45.99
Premium Cable Alternative
DirecTV
✅ Carries both USA Network and your local NBC station, ensuring you get every nationally televised match.
✅ Includes unlimited cloud DVR storage so you can easily record and save early morning fixtures.
✅ Replicates the classic set-top box feel with a familiar channel guide, making it easy to channel-surf on weekend mornings.
Over 28 months$79.99
Exclusive Streaming Home
Peacock Premium
✅ Streams roughly 175 exclusive live matches per season that are completely blacked out on traditional TV.
✅ Acts as the league's US archive, providing full on-demand match replays shortly after every live broadcast concludes.
✅ Streams the popular "Goal Rush" whip-around show, which jumps between live highlights during the packed Saturday 10:00 a.m. ET window.
Monthly from$12.99
Budget Cord-Cutter
Sling TV
✅ Provides nationwide access to USA Network, securing the primary cable home for the league's linear broadcasts.
✅ Includes access to live, local NBC affiliates for the marquee weekend matches in designated major media markets.
✅ Serves as the cheapest way to access live cable TV sports channels without paying for a bloated traditional bundle.
Monthly from$45.99
Premium Cable Alternative
DirecTV
✅ Carries both USA Network and your local NBC station, ensuring you get every nationally televised match.
✅ Includes unlimited cloud DVR storage so you can easily record and save early morning fixtures.
✅ Replicates the classic set-top box feel with a familiar channel guide, making it easy to channel-surf on weekend mornings.
Over 28 months$79.99
Exclusive Streaming Home
Peacock Premium
✅ Streams roughly 175 exclusive live matches per season that are completely blacked out on traditional TV.
✅ Acts as the league's US archive, providing full on-demand match replays shortly after every live broadcast concludes.
✅ Streams the popular "Goal Rush" whip-around show, which jumps between live highlights during the packed Saturday 10:00 a.m. ET window.
Monthly from$12.99
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Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
The Manchester City striker had a stellar debut campaign at Etihad Stadium as he scored 52 goals across all competitions to help the club clinch an unprecedented treble. Yet, the Norwegian missed out on the 2023 Ballon d'Or award as he finished second behind Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi, who had guided La Albiceleste to their third World Cup title in December 2022.
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GettyWHAT ERLING HAALAND SAID
When asked if Messi has to hang up his boots in order for him to win the top individual awards, Haaland told a press conference on Tuesday: "Good question! I don’t know. I've won it all but I'm only 23, so I want to win it all again. Messi is the best that has ever played, maybe he has to retire for someone else to be regarded as the best."
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
While the Norwegian has failed to replicate his incredible goal-scoring rate from last season, he is the frontrunner to win the Premier League Golden Boot once again, as he has scored 18 league goals in 22 appearances. Messi, on the other hand, is on a roll in the new MLS 2024 season with Inter Miami, having recorded four goal contributions in three games.
GettyWHAT NEXT?
The Cityzens next take on Copenhagen in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie on Wednesday, where Haaland will be aiming to add to his haul of five goals in the competition so far this term, with the reigning European champions 3-1 up on aggregate. Messi, meanwhile, is set to take to the pitch with Inter Miami again when they face Nashville on March 8.
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