Ranking the top 5 favorites for the 2019 Ballon d'Or

#1 Lionel Messi (Barcelona / Argentina)

Messi the great

Alongside Ronaldo, Lionel Messi is the most decorated player in Ballon d'Or history. And he could well steer one clear of his eternal rival when the 2019 winner is announced.

Last season was a mixed one for the Argentine legend. He started the campaign with the stated objective of winning the Champions League for Barcelona. But even though he scored a tournament-high of 12 goals, Messi was powerless to stop Barcelona's elimination by Liverpool in the semifinal.

He also won a record-extending sixth Golden Boot, scoring 36 goals and providing 13 assists as the Catalans successfully defended their league title. But he could not make it consecutive doubles as Valencia defeated them in the Copa del Rey final.

There was further heartbreak on the international scene. Despite showing great promise, Argentina got knocked out of the Copa America in the semifinal. Messi's tournament ended acrimoniously with a red card and subsequent ban for accusing the South American football authorities of bias.

The current campaign started on a sore note for Messi, with the 32-year-old sidelined for over a month with injury. But upon his return to full fitness, he has helped aid Barcelona's upturn in fortunes, weighing in with five goals and five assists from eight matches.