The highly productive Norwegian has made an auspicious beginning along that trajectory, netting 52 goals in his inaugural season at the Etihad Stadium. These achievements, following a similarly fruitful stint at Borussia Dortmund, contributed significantly to City’s unprecedented Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup treble.

Despite grappling with ιnjᴜry setbacks this season, Haaland has managed to tally another 29 goals. While he has been narrowly edged out for the Ballon d’Or and FIFA Best awards by the legendary Messi, he is widely anticipated to secure such accolades soon.

Whether he ignites his own GOAT debate reмɑιns uncertain. Pique, a World Cup victor who shared the pitch with Messi and Ronaldo at Barcelona and Manchester United respectively, conveyed to talkSPORT Haaland’s aspirations to rival the elite: “I believe he possesses immense potential, but reaching the echelons of Messi and Cristiano is a formidable journey. It demands numerous championship victories and a sustained performance over 15, 17, or even 20 years, a feat not easily accomplished. He is exceptionally young, extremely promising, and possesses great potential, but in my opinion, he still has a significant distance to cover before he reaches their stature.”