What is the difference between Haaland and Messi? Guardiola explains why the Norwegian will never be like the Argentine magician

Lionel Messi is considered, along with Cristiano Ronaldo, the best footballer in the world. However, it never ceases to amaze many fans how Erling Haaland has conquered the Premier League so far. What did Pep Guardiola have to say about both footballers?

Manchester City managed to beat their rivals United by a clear 6-3 scoreline at the weekend. Haaland and Foden scored hat-tricks. The Norwegian striker was the talk of the post-match interviews.

After the derby, the Spanish coach was asked if he thought Haaland could score in every game. Just like Messi, whom he coached at Barcelona.

“Yes, but they are different. Haaland needs his teammates, but once he gets into the penalty area… Unbelievable. Messi has the ability to do everything himself,” the Manchester City coach said.

Guardiola has made no secret of the fact that Messi, for him, is a footballer who is on a completely different level to everyone else. He judges so based on their years spent together at Barcelona, specifically from 2008 to 2012.

It was in the 2011/12 season that Messi experienced his most successful season yet in terms of points under Guardiola. He scored an incredible 50 goals in 37 league games, plus assisted 19 more, and rightfully earned the Ballon d’Or for the best footballer of the year for his performances.

The question is whether his record will ever be broken. Of course, who else should it be but the Norwegian hitman who has just hit the ground running?

Haaland has scored 14 goals in eight Premier League games so far, scoring a hat-trick 3 times and setting up another 3 goals for his teammates. If he continues this trend, he could rack up over 60 goals this season.

Sources:: Givemesport, Manchestereveningnews, Transfermarkt