Top 5 candidates for the Ballon d'Or 2017

#2 - Lionel Messi

Best ever?

Last season's Champions League edition was a rather complicated one for FC Barcelona as a team, which directly affected Lionel Messi, as he could not make the difference against Paris Saint-Germain, nor Juventus in the decisive stages. It is the essential reason why he just loses out on the number one spot.

Although the Ballon d'Or is an individual award, it is common knowledge that a player's influence indirectly leading his team to major trophies plays a major role in deciding the outcome of the winner.

Having said that, Messi had plenty of magic to offer in 2017. Besides leading Barcelona to Spanish cup triumph, the Argentinian has gathered some eye-catching stats.

This season, Messi is already on 16 goals and 3 assists in all competitions and has helped Barcelona stand on top of the league, with a 4-point gap over Valencia, in second place. His hat-trick away to Ecuador in the CONMEBOL qualifiers meant that Argentina were able to book their ticket for the FIFA World Cup.

Despite not being the most decisive player in the Champions League last term, Messi has been the footballer with the best start to the new campaign. His recent heroics have certainly earned him a place in the top two.