5 Players who can improve their Ballon d'Or chances with a good performance in this international break

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#3 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Can Cristiano Ronaldo carry his excellent club form into the international break?

Cristiano Ronaldo has enjoyed an excellent start to his second spell at Manchester United and heads into the international break brimming with confidence.

The Red Devils might have produced poor performances recently, but Ronaldo has done well on an individual level. In six games in all competitions, the Portuguese superstar has scored five goals. His return has transformed the atmosphere at Old Trafford, and the club are now seen as title contenders this season.

Ronaldo has won five Ballon d'Or awards in his career. Regarded as Portugal's best-ever footballer, the 36-year old is his nation's most-capped player and all-time top goalscorer. He has scored nine goals in 10 games for his country this year, including five at Euro 2020, securing the Golden Boot at the tournament. Ronaldo has shown no signs of slowing down and remains a world-class goalscorer.

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#2 Jorginho (Italy)

Chelsea star Jorginho Italy Training Session And Press Conference during the international break

Many continue to contest Jorginho's rise this year, with the midfielder firmly among the candidates to win the Ballon d'Or this time around.

Jorginho is a talented midfielder and is currently enjoying the best period of his footballing career. The Italy international helped Chelsea win the UEFA Champions League last season and was pivotal as his country won Euro 2020 in the summer.

His medal haul certainly makes him a worthy candidate for the Ballon d'Or. With Italy set to play the UEFA Nations League semi-final during the international break, another trophy could make Jorginho the outright favourite to win the Ballon d'Or. The Italian midfielder has already won the UEFA Men's Player of the Year for 2020-21.

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#1 Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Lionel Messi and Argentina will play World Cup Qualifiers during the international break

Lionel Messi is one of the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or this time around. Having led Argentina to Copa America victory this summer, the forward could get his hands on his seventh Ballon d'Or. He has already won the Golden Boot and the Best Player award at this year's Copa America.

Messi is an all-time great. However, a slow start to his Paris Saint-Germain career could create some problems. Last season, despite brilliant performances from Messi, Barcelona endured a torrid campaign. All this could count against the Argentine sensation.

Currently, Robert Lewandowski is the only player who can come close to Messi's standards. However, a strong performance for Argentina at the World Cup Qualifiers during the international break could once again elevate Messi to the driver's seat for the prestigious award.

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