Why Lionel Messi deserves the Ballon d’Or in 2021?
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Lionel Messi
The Argentine living legend and Barcelona legend, Lionel Messi scored an exquisite free-kick in the dying embers of the game to guide Argentina to the semifinals of Copa America. Referee reversed the penalty decision, awarded the free kick for the La Albiceleste. The 35-year-old scored the free-kick from the edge of the penalty area to win the game in the normal time.
With the win, Argentina has once again made it to the semifinals of the tournament. Along with that, the fan base has unified to voice their opinions about Messi. The fanbase wants Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d’Or. But will just the loud voice from the fanbase is enough for him to win the prestigious award?
In this article, we will list out the reasons the Argentine legend should win the most coveted award. Without further ado, let us discuss why he should win it.
Reasons why Lionel Messi deserves the Ballon d’Or?
One of the under-rated reasons for the summer would be no clear-cut favorites to win the individual award. Pundits touted N Golo Kante to win when Chelsea registered the Champions League triumph whereas Cristiano Ronaldo got the shouts when Portugal seemed to cruise through the UEFA Euro 2020 Group Stage. Even Bruno Fernandes had an outside chance to win the prestigious award if Portugal had got through the knockout stages. However, none of the players remain in the competition and this has helped Lionel Messi’s cause as well.
#1) Highest scorer for the club and the country
The Living legend for Argentina has been in the list of the top scorers throughout the season. Despite his club failing to win the league and finished third, Lionel Messi has been the top scorer for his club and country.
One of the Greatest of All Times (G.O.A.T), Messi has not lost the sharpness and his abilities in the final third despite being in his 30s. In the La Liga, though Barcelona made a mess out of the title race, Messi’s contribution is unparallell. He scored 30 goals in the tournament and finished comfortably on the top. The second-placed player in the Golden Boot race, Karim Benzema had just 23 goals to his name.
Even in the number of G/As in 2021, Messi has 43 G/A whereas second placed Robert Lewandowski has just 38 G/A. With numbers beside him, he can be the award winner.
#2) Most number of Man of the Match awards
We all know how consistent Lionel Messi is in terms of his performance and on and off the field. He has been a crucial player for Barcelona and has literally carried the team on his back. He has his contract situation to be cleared out before the start of the next season with Barcelona. However, his performances for the club cannot be matched by any other player. Throughout the 2020/21 season, Messi had 22 man-of-the-match performances to his name.
On the other hand, his competitors like Harry Kane and others are way behind the player. According to WhoScored, Harry Kane is in the second position with just 13 “Man of the Match” awards to his name. With more games loading, Lionel Messi has a chance to take the tally higher.
#3) A possible Copa America title?
No other player who was touted to win the Ballon d’Or is out of all national competitions. However, Messi and Argentina have reached the semifinals and have a great chance to win the title. With a tactical gaffer like Scaloni and a talented squad, Messi can perfectly guide the team to the trophy. A Copa America title would definitely put the Argentine living legend to the brink of winning the award.
What do you think fam? Do Lionel Messi deserves the award or should some other player win the title this season? Let us know in the comment section!
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Varun Aithal
(480 Articles Published)