#3 International credentials
Since the World Cup is just around the corner, this year’s Ballon d’Or winner will be adjudged with the help of World Cup performances. While the last two World Cups may not have yielded Ballon d’Or winners—with Messi winning it in 2010, and Cristiano Ronaldo winning it in 2014—this year could be a little different with the rise of Neymar.
Brazil looks like a much stronger unit than the Argentina team. They have found balance with a lot of quality players in each department, resulting them to put up a better show than their rivals. It is not just the World, however, there is also another trophy that Messi covets a lot.
The Copa America.
Right the year after the World Cup, Copa America will take place in 2019. And guess which nation hosts it? Brazil. In Brazil, there is a good chance that the home team will win it and since Neymar is the best player in the world after Messi, there is a chance that he will win the next few Ballon d’Ors all by himself.