5 forwards who deserve to win Ballon d'Or

#2 Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi was last season's La Liga top scorer.

The Argentine talisman has had a brilliant 2017 individually. Team-wise, not so much. This is the only reason why Messi may be pipped by his nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo at this year's Ballon d'Or. Otherwise, when compared head to head over statistics, Messi beats Ronaldo fair and square.

Lionel Messi has 48 goals this calendar year, 11 more than Ronaldo. He is averaging a goal every 97 minutes and has also created double the chances,121 to Ronaldo's 55 this year. He was La Liga's top scorer last season with 37 goals and is set to win the golden boot this season as well (13 La Liga goals already).

But as we all know, Ballon d'Or is an accolade awarded for individual excellence along with the impact it creates for one's team which in turn, guarantees trophies. Though Messi was influential in front of the goal, his side could not replicate the levels set by Messi to win the top honours. FC Barcelona settled just for the Copa Del Rey last season which is why Messi might miss out on the Ballon d'Or this time around.

But if the recent leaks are to be believed, there is still hope for the Argentine's supporters. There have been previous occasions where the votes have gone in for statistics rather than for trophies won and if that happens, there is only one winner - Lionel Andres Messi.