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Erling Haaland’s blistering start to the season continued on Saturday as he fired Manchester City to a 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town, netting a hat-trick to take his tally to four goals in two matches. The Norwegian’s impressive form has sparked comparisons to some of the greatest strikers in history, but manager Pep Guardiola believes Lionel Messi remains the most exceptional forward he has ever witnessed.

Guardiola, who coached Messi during his illustrious tenure at Barcelona, heaped praise on the Argentine maestro, stating, “The most incredible forward I have ever seen is Messi — I’ve never said something like that.” While acknowledging Haaland’s remarkable goal-scoring prowess, Guardiola emphasized that the Norwegian is yet to reach the same level as Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

“The numbers with Erling are unbelievable. I think he can sit at the table, in terms of scoring goals, with Cristiano and Messi, that’s for sure,” Guardiola said. However, he added, “Messi is on another level. He is the best player I have ever seen.”

During Guardiola’s time at Barcelona, Messi registered an astonishing 211 goals in 219 appearances, along with 94 assists. He is the club’s all-time leading goalscorer and holds the record for most goals scored in La Liga history with 474.

Haaland’s impressive start to his City career has drawn comparisons to Messi and Ronaldo, but the Norwegian is still in the early stages of his development. Guardiola believes that Haaland has the potential to reach the same heights as these legendary forwards, but he must continue to improve his all-around game.

“He has the numbers for Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who controlled the last decade, 15 years, absolutely everything. In terms of numbers, it is that level. So, I don’t know how he does it, but in 100 games scoring 91 goals is something in the Premier League, in this country, is unbelievable,” Guardiola said after City’s opening win against Chelsea.

“I had a feeling that he feels better than last season at this stage. After travel last season, he felt a bit ‘mmm-mmm’ [so-so] or felt he was tired. This season, I think for the Euros unfortunately Norway was not there, there was more rest and yeah, he feels good.”

Haaland’s hat-trick against Ipswich Town showcased his clinical finishing and predatory instincts. However, Guardiola believes that the Norwegian can still improve his overall contribution to the team.

“His contribution is in many things. He had two or three chances and always I had the feeling there is a gap to improve as a football player,” Guardiola said.

As Haaland continues to develop and refine his game, it remains to be seen whether he can reach the same stratospheric heights as Messi and Ronaldo. However, his impressive start to life at Manchester City suggests that he has the potential to become one of the greatest strikers of all time.