5 reasons why Messi will outshine Ronaldo in the upcoming El Clasico

#2 Lionel Messi is bound to be fired up

Will Ronaldo's 5th Ballon d'Or spur Messi on?

The Argentine might claim that the Ballon d’Or isn’t much of a big deal, but the truth is that every player likes to be acknowledged for their individual brilliance—and winning the Ballon d’Or gives just that. The limelight might be something they dislike, but it is also something they can’t live without.

Right now, Cristiano Ronaldo is the Ballon d’Or holder after beating Messi to the trophy for the second year in a row. The Argentine is a wounded lion now—and that is very dangerous. Apart from that, the former Newell’s kid blew up the 4-1 lead that he held over the Portuguese, and now that things are tied at 5-5, it is nothing but a hit to his ego.

This is why the Argentine will be more than fired up to prove that he is better—and that would act as an added incentive for him to perform better.