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While the year 2018 has been a brilliant one for many superstars, with the likes of Luka Modric, Kylian Mbappe, Raphael Varane and Antoine Griezmann enjoying successful spells both at club and International levels, it has been a forgettable one for a number of superstars including Barcelona captain Lionel Messi.
Messi's enormous efforts during the previous campaign saw him lead Barcelona to claim both the LaLiga title and the Copa del Rey trophy. He also finished as the most prolific goalscorer across European leagues with his 34 goals and 12 assists for Barcelona in 36 LaLiga appearances, it was quite obvious that he was snubbed when the time for recognition arrived - missing out on the final shortlist of all of UEFA, FIFA and Ballon d'Or awards this year.
Such development is an embarrassment to the 5-time Ballon d'Or winner and it doesn't require critical thinking to realize that he will be coming all out to prove himself once again. Therefore, we highlight 3 things the Argentine must do in order to regain his stature in the world of football.
#3 Maintain his LaLiga dominance
There is no doubt Lionel Messi has been dominating the LaLiga for the past few years, evidently tearing the division apart with his combined 71 goals and 21 assists within the last 2 seasons. That is actually one of the things he needs to continue doing in order to regain his ground this term.
With Cristiano Ronaldo having left the Spanish top flight for the Serie A this summer, the task should be an easier one for the Argentine as there is currently no superstar in the division who could produce as much competition as the Portuguese did during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Therefore, Lionel Messi must seize the opportunity with both hands and keep up with his dominant displays in the Spanish division as he aims to reclaim his stand on top of the football world this season.
#2 Win the UEFA Champions League
Having failed to inspire Barcelona to glory on the European stage for the past 3 years, it is true that Lionel Messi definitely needs to prove himself in the UEFA Champions League once again in order to reclaim his spot as the undisputed superstar on the planet this season.
Messi has promised Barcelona fans that he would do everything to ensure he brings the Champions League trophy to the Nou Camp this term. The Argentinian has followed his promise with exceptional performances in the tournament so far - recording an incredible 6 goals and 1 assist to his name in just 4 appearances.
However, he needs to ensure that he maintains such a fantastic level of influence throughout the competition and lead the Blaugrana to claim European glory as that would be a huge boost to his chances of ruling the football world one more time.
#1 Win the Ballon d'Or
Lionel Messi had an early grip on the most coveted award in football during the early stages of his career, claiming the Ballon d'Or accolade in 4 successive seasons between 2009 and 2012. He has failed to maintain his dominance thereafter, winning the award just once between the past 4 years.
The worst part is that the Argentine even failed to make the final shortlist for the award this year - becoming the first time that would happen since 2008 and also an embarrassment to his incredible legacy and fantastic reputation.
Therefore, Lionel Messi needs to step up and give his best where it matters most and ensure he inspires both his club and his nation in all competitions in order to claim the prestigious prize and to restore his pride this term. I wish to see him at the top once again!
