4 reasons why Lionel Messi shouldn't win the Ballon d'Or this year

#2 A lack of silverware

FC Barcelona v RC Celta - La Liga Santander

There is no doubt how crucial Messi is to his club and country. Messi was the sole driving force in a Barcelona squad that struggled under Ronald Koeman. The Argentine maestro racked up 38 goals and 14 assists in all competitions for the Catalan giants in his last season at the club.

Messi's failures with his national team have always been a point of contention for his critics but the 34-year old finally put an end to his international trophy drought. Messi led La Albiceleste to a Copa America triumph, ending their 28-year wait for the trophy. With four goals and five assists in the tournament, he deservingly won the Golden Boot and the Best Player Award at Copa America 2021.

Despite his success with his nation, a Copa Del Rey trophy for his club might not be enough for Messi to win the Ballon d'Or. The legendary forward failed to win La Liga with Barcelona while succumbing to another failed domestic campaign in the UEFA Champions League.

Moreover, Messi's other competitors in the race for Ballon d'Or have won more trophies and etched their names in the record books with powerful displays. Players like Jorginho have won the UEFA Champions League and Euros titles for their club and country, respectively.

A distinct lack of trophies will undoubtedly hinder Messi's chances of lifting his seventh Ballon d'Or.

#1 Messi's competitors have been sensational

FC Bayern München v SL Benfica: Group E - UEFA Champions League

Although Messi's arch rival Cristiano Ronaldo is not a favorite to win the Ballon d'Or this year, there are too many competitors who have enjoyed groundbreaking seasons. There is tough competition from some sensational players this time round, and the margin of victory will be very close no matter who bags the award.

The major threat to the Argentine great is Bayern Munich talisman Robert Lewandowski, but Real Madrid's Karim Benzema and Chelsea's Jorginho are not too far behind. There are also resounding arguments regarding N'Golo Kante and Mohamed Salah's push for the Ballon d'Or prize.

Lewandowski has created and broken a plethora of records this past year, which shows how pivotal he has been for the Bavarians. Due to his sensational performance, the Polish sharpshooter is a surely a huge favorite.

Lewandowski scored 48 goals and provided nine assists, breaking Gerd Muller's record of most goals scored (40) in a single Bundesliga season. The 33-year-old is yet to slow down, already finding the net 23 times in the new campaign.

Jorginho has also enjoyed a sensational year, leading his club and country to European success. Meanwhile, Karim Benzema and Mohamed Salah are arguably the two best players in the world at the moment, with the Frenchman leading France to UEFA Nations League glory just months ago.

It is clear that Messi is not alone in the race for Ballon d'Or, and the successes of his competitors might just make him miss out on the coveted award this year.