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#3 Put in man-of-the-match performances in UEFA Champions League knockouts
Lionel Messi is arguably the best footballer the game has ever seen. He is exceptional with the ball at his feet, can score goals from anywhere, and possesses unmatched game reading skills.
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But if there is one thing the player has not been world-class at, it has to be his performances in the Champions League knockout rounds.
The Argentine maverick often disappeared in clutch European knockout matches, which hurt Barcelona badly. His poor form in knockouts is one of the reasons why the Blaugrana could not win a single Champions League since the 2014-15 season.
At PSG, Messi has the opportunity to turn the tide. If he can keep his nerve and deliver in the knockouts, he will surely have an advantage in the Ballon d’Or race.
His first test will be in February, when the Parisians take on 13-time Champions League winners Real Madrid in the Round of 16.
#2 Lead PSG to their first-ever Champions League
Ligue 1 giants PSG are desperate to win their first UEFA Champions League title this season. And with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar in their ranks, the French giants are firm favorites to go all the way.
If everything falls into place and PSG do end up winning the Champions League, Messi could be the one to benefit the most. Under Mauricio Pochettino, the right-winger is likely to play every minute of knockout football, which could help his case in the Ballon d’Or race.
Despite a collective trophy, winning the Champions League will surely bring Messi into the spotlight and take him closer than ever to his eighth Ballon d’Or.
#1 Win the Player of the Tournament award at the FIFA World Cup 2022
Being chosen as the best player at the biggest footballing tournament in the world is any footballer’s dream. Lionel Messi has already realized his dream once in his career before, in 2014, and he’ll do his best to replicate his heroics this year.
Winning the Golden Ball at the 2022 World Cup would require Messi to fire on all cylinders right from the get-go. Thankfully, he has all the weapons in his arsenal to get the job done.
If Messi manages to inspire Argentina with regular goals, assists, or match-winning gameplay, we won’t be surprised to see him win the Golden Ball.
Bagging the second FIFA Golden Ball of his career would massively boost his chances of winning his eighth Ballon d’Or.
