Since 2009, Lionel Messi has missed out on 5 ballon d or awards. In 2013, he was injured and didn’t put up the required numbers. Moreover, Barça was struggling a lot due to staff issues so an obvious reason.
3 of the remaining Ballon D’ors were won by Cristiano Ronaldo when he was winning champions league titles and putting up 30+ goals each season. Now that his performances are on a decline, he cant put up the same numbers as before and the chances of a CL title seem slim.
Even if he wins the CL title, the main protagonist of the team from an objective point of view would be Dybala (Argentines are really his kryptonites). Only chance he has on the award is if he improves drastically with Juventus and manages to win the euros (low odds).
The last Ballon D’or Messi didn’t win was handed to Luka Modric who was the world cup’s best player and won the champions league title alongside. Since there is no world cup next year, this factor blows out as well.
Other candidates
Considering these factors lets talk about the players who have a realistic chance of competing for the Golden Ball. Moreover, what do they need to do for the win.
Sadio Mane – PL title needed and a good champions league campaign with about 40 goal contributions at least.
Mo Salah – PL title, good champions league campaign with about 40+ goal contributions.
Virgil van Dijk – PL title, good champions league campaign and solid euro performances. Hasn’t been on the same level as last year though but still the best defender in the world.
Kylian Mbappe and Neymar – Routine Ligue 1 league trophy, impressive Euros/Copa America and CL with 30+ goal contributions.
Toni Kroos – any major club trophy and Euros winner.
Lewandowski – Routine Bundesliga title, solid CL and Euro campaign with 40+ goal contributions.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Routine serie A title, impressive CL or euros campaign with 30+ goal contributions in the season.
Lionel Messi – Laliga win, Pichichi( 30+ goal contributions), impressive CL or Copa America campaign.
Considering these factors and taking Messi’s consistency into account, he is on road to win his 7th.
Do you agree with @Messified4ever that Lionel Messi is in pole position for the next Ballon D’or? Write your opinion in the comment section below.
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