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Arguably the greatest player to have played the game, Lionel Messi has been a sensational footballer for quite some time now.
The Argentina international has won six Ballon d'Or awards, the most in the award's history. His most recent one came in 2019, when he pipped Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk and Juventus attacker Cristiano Ronaldo to secure the Ballon d'Or.
But since then, there's been a variety of reasons as to why the 2019 Ballon d'Or could potentially be Lionel Messi's last. We look at the:
4 reasons why Lionel Messi could never win the Ballon d'Or again.
#4 Lionel Messi's age
While Lionel Messi continues to be one of the best players in world football, there comes a stage in every sportsperson's career when a drop-off is inevitable.
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Lionel Messi is Barcelona's most important player, but at 33, it cannot be expected that Messi will go on forever. Having made his debut for Barcelona in 2004, the Argentine has been a consistent presence in the first XI since then, and also shoulders the additional responsibility of being the club's star player who is targeted by every opposition defender.
So many minutes on a regular basis tend to wear a player down. Probably the most famous example in recent years is Alexis Sanchez, who failed to replicate his Arsenal form at Manchester United and looked like the shadow of a player he was for the Gunners.
Lionel Messi's quality is undeniable and what he means to the sport of football cannot be underestimated. The forward's fitness levels are commendable, and his performances this season for Barcelona have once again shown his world-class ability. However, the body can only take so much.
#3 The emergence of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Braut Haaland
There have been debates among football fans as well as critics as to whether the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo era is coming to an end.
The emergence of Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe and Borussia Dortmund's Erling Braut Haaland has been the genesis for this debate. Both young forwards have been in impeccable form this season and already enjoy superstar status in the game.
With both Lionel Messi and Ronaldo in their 30s, it has been suggested that Mbappe and Haaland are ready to take over their thrones. Mbappe has made 168 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 giants and scored 129 goals. The 22-year old has already won the FIFA World Cup with France and played a key role as Paris Saint-Germain reached the finals of the Champions League last season.
Haaland, on the other hand, is one of the best strikers in the world despite being only 20 years of age. He has made 57 appearances for Borussia Dortmund and scored 55 goals, and has been linked with big-money moves to Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid.
With these two attackers already regarded as two of the best in the world, the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo era of dominance might soon come to an end.
Also Read: Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Best male footballer of the decade announced
#2 Lionel Messi's international performances
The stick that is often used to beat Lionel Messi with is Argentina's poor performances on the international stage, and Messi's apparent inability to help them win an international trophy.
The comparison between Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona often boils down to this simple fact; Maradona led Argentina to World Cup success, while the best Lionel Messi could do was take them to the FIFA World Cup final in 2014.
Football is a team sport, except when it comes to Lionel Messi. Having said that, Argentina's quality of performances since that World Cup have declined, and they have a tough job in their hands of winning an international trophy before Messi calls it a day.
The Argentina national team will take part in the Copa America this summer, and a subpar tournament could seal Messi's legacy on the international stage.
#1 Barcelona's current form
When Lionel Messi announced his decision to leave Barcelona last summer, it was met with shock and surprise.
Barcelona had recently been embarrassed 8-2 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals, and several controversies loomed over the club. Despite Lionel Messi's announcement, the move did not happen and he continues to captain Barcelona to this day.
However, Barcelona are currently 3rd in La Liga, four points behind league leaders Atletico Madrid with two games to go. They were knocked out of the Champions League in the Round of 16 by Paris Saint-Germain and it is clear that the club will need some time and proper investment if they are to return to their glory days.
Lionel Messi's contract with Barcelona expires in the summer and he has been heavily linked with a move to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. In recent weeks though, there have been reports that the Argentine was willing to sign a new deal with his beloved club.
Barcelona have some good young players but they will need to splash the cash to buy established names. Given Barcelona's financial situation, it seems unlikely. It will be interesting to see what Lionel Messi does in this transfer window.
Also Read: Juventus attacker Paulo Dybala chooses between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
