~Snip~
I think you mentioned an important issue here and that is the lobby of Messi in the world is still bigger. But he also really won something and it has always been a pleasure to watch him play. I agree that Haaland rocked all competitions and it's a pity that Norway most likely won't make it very far in a World Cup in the foreseeable future. This puts him at a disadvantage every few years when this award is given. But I think I would be ok with any of these two guys to get the reward. I don't think it would feel like betrayal or anything as both have done incredible things in that season and Haaland deserves it a bit more, but Messi wouldn't be a bad winner.
Haaland or Messi, both really deserve the Ballon D'or based on their contribution to the team they play for. Haaland played quite well for Manchester City, he was an important actor in Manchester City's success in winning the treble winner last season. Meanwhile, Messi did not help PSG much, but his role for the Argentine national team allowed him to extend the record for most wins to eight. Whoever wins the Ballon D'Or from these two names, there is nothing wrong in the process of determining the winner this time, because both of them have played a big role in the success of the team they played for in winning the prestigious title.