We all know Messi has been insane for 2 decades.
But we all should also know there was no way he deserved this award. Usually 7 game stretch like WC is decisive for this award when players even or close to it on club level.
But Haaland blew him outta water on consistent club performance by contributing to 68 goals and winning every club trophy.
While Messi was poor for PSG then went to ceremonially retire in MLS.
Like it's not even on merit for whole year when WC performance a year ago of mainly being a talisman that scored pks, decides it all.
And basically if their psycho goalie didn't make last second ET save on Kolo Muani, in their logic Mbappe would won this award. Since he had a great WC and individually high level club performance (tho crap team one).