3 reasons why Lionel Messi will still win the Ballon d'Or after Barcelona's Champions League exit

#1 Lack of other major competition

Let's face it. When it comes to individual performances, Messi has been leagues ahead of his competitors this season. With an incredible 22 Man of the Match awards in the present campaign, the mercurial magician has made a mediocre Barcelona team look like world beaters, carrying them into the Champions League semi-finals and ensuring that the Blaugrana are on course for a domestic double.

The sub-par performances oh his competitors are also a factor in my analysis that Messi is likely to win the Ballon d'Or. Virgil van Dijk, the Premier League Player of the Year is Messi's closest rival for the individual award. The Dutch defender has been a colossus at the back for Jurgen Klopp's side, ensuring that the Reds maintain the joint-meanest defence in England. With Manchester City likely to win the English Premier League and defenders rarely winning the Ballon d'Or (The last defender to win it was Fabio Cannovara, after attaining World Cup glory with Italy), Messi will in all likelihood, pip Van Dijk for the top honour.

Newcastle United v Liverpool FC - Premier League