Erling Haaland Downplays Comparisons to Messi and Ronaldo
Erling Haaland has dismissed comparisons between himself and modern football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, stating that "no one" will come close to matching their extraordinary goalscoring records.
The 25-year-old striker has netted 26 goals in all competitions for Manchester City and the Norwegian national team by early November, bringing his career total to 327 goals.
However, Haaland's tally is significantly lower than that of the celebrated duo. Argentine icon Messi, now 38, boasts a remarkable 892 goals, while 40-year-old Portuguese superstar Ronaldo is on the verge of reaching 1,000 career goals, currently standing at 952.
When asked if he considers himself on par with the distinguished pair, Haaland responded, "No, not at all. I am far off. Nobody can get close to those two, so no."
Breaking Records 'Last Thing on My Mind'
The Manchester City forward had an impressive 56-goal season in 2022-23, his first with the club after transferring from Borussia Dortmund, marking his most prolific campaign to date.
As he prepares to face his former team in the Champions League on Wednesday (20:00 GMT), Haaland is on track to exceed that remarkable total if he maintains his current scoring pace.
With 98 goals in just 107 Premier League appearances, he is closing in on becoming the fastest player to reach 100 goals in England's top flight. Former England captain Alan Shearer holds that record at 124 games and leads the all-time league charts with 260 goals.
Shearer commented last month that Haaland has a "brilliant chance" of breaking this record.
However, when asked if he aims to surpass his own tally this season, Haaland replied, "Which record? Not to sound arrogant! I had 57 in total, including with the national team [in the 2022-23 season]. I am in a good way, but I don’t think about this. I don’t really know any records but I know his (Shearer’s Premier League one). Again, it is not something I can think about. Thinking about records I can break is the last thing on my mind; I try to help the team win football games. That is my job and that is my main focus. I know it’s boring; I know you want me to say the complete opposite, but that’s not how it is. I have to ignore them."
'Main Career Goal' to Help Norway Reach Major Tournaments
Haaland has also scored 53 goals in just 51 Champions League matches, making him the fastest player to reach the half-century milestone.
He won Europe’s elite club competition in his inaugural season with City, contributing to the team’s Treble of the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
"I am the same person I have always been," he added. "Nothing has changed. I am still the same kid in some situations, and I am still that kid from Bryne, but with more life experience. I am a Norwegian guy, and I shouldn’t think I am something special just because I am scoring goals. I am just Erling, and that will never change."
Haaland is also on the verge of helping Norway qualify for their first World Cup since 1998, a year he noted was "two years before I was born."
"I have been saying this for a long time—my goal is to take Norway to a World Cup and Euros," he said. "This is the main goal of my career, and now I have a good chance to do it, so it’s about seizing the opportunities."
He also issued a warning to opposing defenders, stating that he is "definitely" improving as a striker. "I am developing well," he added. "I am in a good place, I’m taking good care of myself, and I am developing nicely."