5 players who could pip Lionel Messi to the European Golden Shoe this season

#3 Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portuguese has been a beast in front of goal since the turn of the year

When we talk about the players who could get one over Lionel Messi in the battle for major individual accolades, Cristiano Ronaldo surely has to be the first name that comes to our mind. The Portuguese needs no introduction: he's been up there with his Argentine rival for over a decade now and he isn't showing any signs of slowing down.

After Messi claimed both the Golden Shoe and Ballon d'Or award last year, Ronaldo has responded in a fantastic fashion, scoring almost at will this season and pulling further away from his eternal rival. The winger is currently on an amazing run that has seen him find the back of the net in 10 straight Serie A games.

At present, Ronaldo leads Messi with six goals, having recorded 20 efforts to his name from 20 appearances in the Serie A. Having peaked at the right moment and scoring goals for fun, no one can predict how many more he could add to his tally before the season concludes. He surely has a great chance to pull one over his arch rival.