Antoine Griezmann has picked Lionel Messi as his favorite to win the 2023 Ballon d’OR with an epic statement.

Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland are to go head-to-head in the battle for the football most prestigious award.

Both players had epic seasons and were the best in their respective clubs and country, clinching several trophies.

While fans are divided on who should be the actual winner of the award, France vice captain, Antoine Griezmann has chosen former Barcelona teammate, Lionel Messi as his favourite.

The Atletico Madrid forward replied with an epic statement when asked who should win the Ballon d’OR between Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland.

“The best in the world was and still is Messi… Please do not confuse a goal-scorer with a great player.”

It has however been said Messi is the official winner of the 2023 Ballon d’OR with a family friend of Messi revealing Messi has already been told he won the award.

Griezmann and Messi were teammates during the Frenchman short spell at Barcelona. Griezmann has constantly reveal his admiration for Lionel Messi and still hopes to share the dressing room again with him.