3 reasons why Lionel Messi could help end Argentina's 28-year wait for Copa America glory

#2 A Copa America triumph could be a determining factor in winning the Ballon d'Or

Messi has been without a Ballon d'Or since 2015

Just two months ago, Lionel Messi was the firm favorite to win the 2019 Ballon d'Or, having been the driving force behind Barcelona's quest for a record-extending third treble.

The 31-year-old still ended the season as the highest goalscorer in La Liga, Europe, and the Champions League, but the embarrassing nature of his side's exit to Liverpool in the Champions League as well as their Copa del Rey final defeat by Valencia saw him lose his previously firm grip on football's most prestigious individual prize.

Virgil van Dijk has emerged as many people's forerunner to become the only the fourth defender and first since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 to lift the glorious prize.

Cristiano Ronaldo has also firmly established himself in the race and many see a Copa America triumph as the deciding factor which could swing the Ballon d'Or pendulum back in Messi's favor.

Lionel Messi is without a Ballon d'Or since 2015 and if Copa America victory is all that stands in his way of getting a record-extending sixth win, it would not be out of the question to see him go all the way as he has done so often in the past.