4 Reasons why Lionel Messi might not win the Ballon d'Or award this year

Lionel Messi and Megan Rapinoe at the Best FIFA Football Awards 2019.
Lionel Messi and Megan Rapinoe at the Best FIFA Football Awards 2019.

It's been a very interesting year for football lovers all over the world with plenty of competitions across club and international levels. Having given their all representing their respective clubs and countries, now is time of the year when the top performing players earn recognition for their exploits.

We recently watched as Barcelona maestro Lionel Messi became the Player of the Year at the Best FIFA Football Awards. The playmaker edged out his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo and Dutch powerhouse, Virgil Van Dijk to come out on top.

Following that triumph, many expect the Argentine to add the Ballon d'Or as well to his cabinet in December. However, here are a few reasons why he could end up missing out on the prize.


#4 Champions League failure

A dejected Lionel Messi during Liverpool's win over Barcelona in last season's UEFA Champions League semi-final
A dejected Lionel Messi during Liverpool's win over Barcelona in last season's UEFA Champions League semi-final

Last season started on a promising note for Lionel Messi and Barcelona as they kicked off the campaign in style with victory after victory and rode on a wave of momentum for a large part of the campaign. There was optmism at the Nou Camp as the Blaugrana progressed steadily in their quest for a treble

Barcelona's priority for the campaign was to win the UEFA Champions League. After making it into the semi-finals for the first time since they won it in 2015, the Catalans believed this was the season they'd return to the summit of European football.

A 3-0 win over Liverpool in the first leg raised the optimism further. However, Ernesto Valverde's charges were beaten on the night and in the tie in spectacular fashion whey they visited Anfield and succumbed to a 4-0 defeat at the hands of The Reds. It was another year of European misery for Messi.

Everyone knows how much relevance the UEFA Champions League holds in the race for the Ballon d'Or. The Argentine's failure in the competition could end up being his achiles heel this year - especially given that some of his top rivals triumphed in the tournament.

#3 Copa America nightmare

Messi wasn't able to lead Argentina to Copa America glory in 2019.
Messi wasn't able to lead Argentina to Copa America glory in 2019.

It was a familiar problem for Lionel Messi as he travelled to Brazil to represent Argentina at the Copa America this year. The mercurial playmaker couldn't find his rhythm during the course of the competition and was a mere shadow of himself all through.

Messi couldn't inspire his team to success. He struggled to impress with his performances. While Argentina made it into the semi-finals, there were no concrete contributions from the Messi. A solitary goal from the spot against Paraguay in the group stage and an assist across the whole tournament was a poor return by his standards.

The attacker was sent off in his last game - the third place decider against Chile - to conclude another embarrassing outing on the international stage. Messi's failure with Argentina could deprive him once again. It shouldn't be forgotten that Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Portugal to the UEFA Nations League triumph recently - edging out Netherlands' Virgil Van Dijk in the final. In a Ballon d'Or contest of fine margins this year, these details could make the difference.

#2 Barcelona's poor start to the new campaign

Messi has been plagued by injury setbacks this season.
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.

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.

#1 Fierce competition

Van Dijk remains a huge threat to Messi's Ballon d'Or chances.
Van Dijk remains a huge threat to Messi's Ballon d'Or chances.

This year's Ballon d'Or battle is similar to the one we witnessed in 2018 - there's no outright favourite. Lionel Messi and Virgil Van Dijk are considered the strongest candidates but Cristiano Ronaldo cannot be written off either - courtesy of his exploits at both club and international levels during the year.

The Portuguese enjoyed a stellar campaign with Juventus bagging 28 goals and 10 assists for the Bianconeri across all competitions. He won the Serie A Player Of The Year award and he was highly influential as Portugal cruised to the UEFA Nations League triumph - finishing with the Golden Boot as the top scorer.

Van Dijk's exploits continue to make a strong case for him in the race for the Ballon d'Or. The Dutchman was outstanding as Liverpool went all the way to UEFA Champions League glory last season. He also enjoyed a decent outing in the Premier League and he played a solid role as Netherlands made it into the final of the UEFA Nations League.

Van Dijk won the PFA Player Of The Year award for last season and recently edged out Messi and Ronaldo to claim the UEFA Best Player of the Year award. With many still of the opinion that the Dutchman deserves to be crowned the best player in the world for this year, Messi really needs to watch his back.

Quick Links

Edited by A. Ayush Chatterjee