#1 His incomparable stats
If the Ballon d'Or would have been given away to the player with the most assists and goals, Lionel Messi would win this year's award quite easily. His stats this season look almost unbeatable, and no one is really close to his tally.
The little Argentine has scored 51 goals this season and assisted another 19. That means he has been involved in almost 70 goals, which is absolutely astonishing. Kylian Mbappe is second with 39 goals scored this season and assisting 15.
Messi on many occasions has won Barcelona games single-handedly, and some of his performances have been absolutely magical. The Argentine has carried Barcelona on his shoulders this season, without always getting the results.
The fact that he has won only one trophy might affect his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or this year. But his consistency in front of goal should count for something.
Only time will tell whether Messi will win it or not but right now, he surely is a strong favorite.