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#1 Disastrous World Cup campaign
Many believe that the only chink in Lionel Messi's glittering armor is the absence of an international trophy which continues to prey on his mind. And the World Cup 2018 presented him with the golden opportunity to silence the critics in a glorious fashion.
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Had Argentina won the all-important competition or finished it in a respectable manner, Messi could have been handed a massive boost in the pursuit of his sixth Ballon d'Or award, but things did not transpire as per his wishes.
Argentina were absolutely terrible at the World Cup as they were ruled out in the Round of 16 itself by the ultimate champions - France in a 4-3 victory. And La Albiceleste's ignominious departure from the tournament, owing to issues which even Messi could not iron out, has stuck a fork in his Ballon d'Or chances ten to one.
