Lionel Messi and Megan Rapinoe at the Best FIFA Football Awards 2019.
#2 Barcelona's poor start to the new campaign
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Messi has been plagued by injury setbacks this season.
It is not over until it is over. The battle for the Ballon d'Or award this year is still at its peak. While exploits from last season will be considered higher, there is no denying that the performances of players at this early stage of the current campaign could influence voters. On that note, Lionel Messi fails to find balance.
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The Argentine has had a troubled start to life this season as he continues to battle recurring injury problems. Messi has played just three games for the club so far, with no goals or assists to his name. In his absense, Barcelona have failed to live up to their normal standards. The Blaugrana are fourth in La Liga at the moment with four victories, a draw and two defeats. They are also winless in their UEFA Champions League campaign after playing out a goaless draw with Borussia Dortmund the last time out.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo is off to a bright start in the Serie A with three goals and an assist to his name from five appearances as Juventus sit second on the table. Virgil Van Dijk is also enjoying a brilliant start with Liverpool who sit on top with their 100% record in the Premier League this season.
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About the author
Jidonu Mauyon
Jidonu is a European and international football news writer at Sportskeeda. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and has around 7 years of previous experience working with the likes of Tribuna and SportRaba, Jidonu has a good eye for detail and has the ability to created cohesive articles, and reporting exploits have also led him to exclusively cover the 2018 FIFA World Cup in the past.
Jidonu’s tryst with football started after watching the 2002 FIFA World Cup final between Brazil and Germany, being mesmerized by Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Barcelona philosophy and approach towards the game under Pep Guardiola further fueled the burgeoning love for the sport, and he has been a Culer ever since.
Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi is his favorite player and is the one true GOAT for him over Cristiano Ronaldo. The 2022 FIFA World Cup final, where Messi's brace led to La Albiceleste lifting the cup left a lasting impact on him. His love for Messi also sees him follow Major League Soccer apart from Europe’s top five leagues.
In his free time, Jidonu raps and produces music, and also enjoys reading and swimming.