If Lionel Messi steals the award from under ERLING HAALAND’s nose, he has been advised to skip the Ballon d’Or celebration.

The 23-year-old Manchester City star has drawn attention with his new braided hairstyle while representing Norway internationally.

Erling Haaland has been urged to snub the Balloon D’or ceremony

The Ballon d’Or announced its 30-man shortlist for the yearly award on Wednesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time champion, is not on the list for the first time in 20 years.

Messi, a longtime foe and seven-time champion, is already the public favorite to win the award.

The 36-year-old left Paris Saint-Germain this summer after a disastrous two-year stint there, joining David Beckham at Inter Miami.

But in December, the Argentine captain his nation to World Cup success.

Haaland, who won the treble and scored an incredible 52 goals in his rookie season for City, is Messi’s main rival.

Craig Burley, a former star for Chelsea and Scotland, advised the Norwegian to boycott the Ballon d’Or award show for the remainder of his career if Messi wins.

If Erling Haaland doesn’t win this, close the store, he said to ESPN.

“Lionel Messi won the World Cup, which is a fantastic accomplishment, but it only lasted for four weeks. His overall league performance wasn’t great. PSG performed poorly.

A. Erling Haaland? Over 50 goals, winning the FA Cup, Premier League, and Champions League.

“This honor ought to go to Haaland. I am aware that many people cannot leave the Messi train, but consider the wider picture.

And like Robert Lewandowski, if I were Haaland, I would never accept another Ballon d’Or in my life.

On the striker’s most recent Instagram post, fans have added their voices to the call.

A supporter said, “Flying high to get that maiden Ballon d’Or!!”

Another said, “Man you are about to be robbed like they did to Ronaldo.”

“This years Ballon d’Or winner” was written by a third.

On October 30, in Paris, the renowned award’s recipient will be announced.

Others, however, were more interested in his new hairstyle, with Haaland displaying his new braids with the comment “AIR-ling”.

Another fan made the quip, “New hair – More air.”

One more claimed it caused a “zero gravity glitch.”

Another merely penned, “That hair though…”