Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and surprise snub: Manchester City striker Erling Haaland picks his dream 5-a-side team

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland named Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in his dream five-a-side team but omitted himself from the list. The Norweigan is considered one of the most prolific attackers in football currently and many would have expected him to pick himself as part of his dream team.

Haaland has proven his goalscoring prowess since bursting onto the scene in 2019 with Red Bull Salzburg. The 24-year-old has recorded an impressive 236 goals and 50 assists in 274 games playing for Molde, Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund, and now Manchester City.

While speaking to the Official Man City Podcast back in February 2024, Haalnad picked his ultimate five-a-side team (via SportBible). He opted for former Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas in goal, and Italian legendary defender Paolo Maldini in defense. The City star then named Messi, Ronaldo, and Ronaldinho as his attacking trio, notably omitting himself.

Both Casillas and Maldini are football greats and are regarded as one of the best in their respective positions. Likewise, former Brazilian star Ronaldinho was unstoppable with the ball at his feet at the peak of his career and won the Ballon d'Or in 2005.

As for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, both players have dominated the football space for the past decade. They have 13 Ballons d'Or between them and are considered the best to ever grace the game.

Erling Haaland is yet to win the Ballon d'Or, but his exploits so far have made him one of football's most lethal strikers. The Manchester City star is all set to also become a football great if he keeps up with his impressive goalscoring performances.

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When Erling Haaland chose Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo in the 'GOAT' debate

The debate for who is the 'Greatest of All Time' between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has raged on for years now. Fans, current players, and ex-footballers have had their pick between the two football icons.

Last year, when asked to make his pick between the two rivals, Erling Haaland outrightly went for Messi, saying (via Managing Barca):

“Messi or Ronaldo? I don't know why you ask me this everytime. You'll always get the same answer: Leo Messi.”

Lionel Messi recently bolstered his claim as the greatest footballer ever by winning a record-extending 46th career trophy with Inter Miami. The Argentine icon led the Herons to win the MLS Supporters' Shield.