After leading Argentina to a World Cup triumph in December, Thierry Henry believes Lionel Messi should win the Ballon d’Or over Erling Haaland: ‘You can’t claim he didn’t deserve it if he wins.’

With the winner of the Ballon d’Or ready to be unveiled in a ceremony on Monday, football personalities are weighing in on who should take home the golden ball this year.

On Wednesday, CBS Sports football analyst Thierry Henry chose Lionel Messi.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021

CBS Sports football analyst Thierry Henry insists that Messi should win the award on Monday

The forward led Argentina to glory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar last December

‘I mean, a lot of people might argue that, but if you win the World Cup the way he did it, we can talk about what occurred in the final,’ the former Arsenal and France player remarked on CBS Sports. ‘As a Frenchman, I was dissatisfied with how it ended, but you can’t argue it wasn’t merited if he won.’

Henry, 46, went on to explain why the Argentina and Inter Miami star deserves the coveted award for his heroics in the December 2022 FIFA World Cup.

‘Man City players, Haaland, and some other players can all say, “Why not me?” but you can’t say it’s not right if he wins. You have the history where, when I was thinking about Lewandowski, they determined there would be no Ballon d’Or but there would be football. Why wasn’t he permitted to win the Ballon d’Or?’

Messi’s main rival for the prize this year is Erling Haaland, a 23-year-old Manchester City attacker.

The Norwegian sensation soon became the spark of City’s offense after leaving Borussia Dortmund to join the English team in 2022. Last season, Haaland set a club record with 52 goals, helping City win their first treble.

Meanwhile, Messi led Argentina to the World Cup in Qatar, where he scored seven goals, including two in the thrilling final against France. Following the World Cup, Messi signed a record-breaking contract with Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer.

Within two months, Messi had guided Miami to their first club title, the Leagues Cup. Additionally, he led his team to the US Open Cup final, where the Houston Dynamo defeated them.

While the 36-year-old has previously won the Ballon d’Or seven times, Henry is sure that Messi deserves to win his eighth.

When asked directly by fellow commentator Jamie Carragher who he feels should win the Ballon d’Or on Monday, Henry gave a brief and clear answer.

‘Messi, for me. Bye. Over.’