Manchester City's striker, Erling Haaland has lauded Lionel Messi as the "greatest player ever".

The Norwegian international expressed his admiration for Lionel Messi during a press conference in the build-up to Manchester City's Champions League round of sixteen clash against FC Copenhagen.

When questioned about his remarkable goal-scoring record juxtaposed with Messi's Ballon d'Or wins, and whether Messi's retirement would enhance his chances of claiming the prestigious individual award, Haaland responded thoughtfully.

"Good question! I don’t know. He’s won the World Cup" Haaland pondered before concluding, "Messi is the greatest, I think."