Ballon d’Or 2018: Ranking the 5 favourites

#2 Lionel Messi

Barcelona v Deportivo La Coruna - LaLiga

Ballon d'Or 2017 – 2nd

The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2018 – 5th

The Argentinean magician had another brilliant season with Barcelona, finishing the season by winning the LaLiga 2018 and the Copa Del Rey. He scored 34 goals from 36 games in the league, winning the Pichichi Trophy for the 5th time. He also picked up the European Golden Shoe for a record 5th time. He scored a total 45 goals in 54 appearances and also registered 18 assists, in all competitions. Messi was also the LaLiga top assist provider last season, for the 4th time in his career. It was a testament to a player who has so many facets to his game, he can score, he can assist and he can mesmerize the world with his skills.

Over the summer, Messi endured a disappointing run at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where Argentina were eliminated from the Round of 16 by eventual winner France. Messi ended the tournament with just 1 goal.

On his return to Barcelona, the Argentinean Skipper won the Supercopa De Espana at the start of the season. Since then Messi has been in inspired form, scoring 11 goals in 11 games so far in the 2018/19 season and also registering 5 assists.

Lionel Messi would certainly have been the favourite to lift the Ballon d'Or again this year, had it not been for a certain player who has had an unbelievable year and holds a minuscule advantage over the Argentinean.