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Lionel Messi is the favourite to win the 2011 Ballon d’Or after the shortlist of names was released and In The Stands makes a compelling case for the Barcelona superstar to win it.
Who can deny that Lionel Messi deserves to win his third successive Ballon d’Or crown? Throughout the last few years the 23 year-old has been an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Barcelona side which has bagged two European Cups in three seasons, three consecutive La Liga crowns and the World Club Cup as well to boot.
Last season ‘Leo’ netted 53 goals – yes 53 goals in 55 appearances as the Catalans retained their La Liga crown and thrashed Manchester United 3-1 at Wembley as the velcro-footed, pint-sized Argentine bagged a third UEFA Champions League medal.
It was Messi’s individual performances throughout the tournament which stood out like a diamond in a sewer.
Twelve goals, including two memorable strikes against Real Madrid in a bruising semi-final clash, as well as a rasping strike against United in the final saw the Argentine finish the tournament as top goalscorer…again.
Domestically he was also untouchable. 31 league goals in 33 appearances axiomatically demonstrating his panache and appetite in front of goal.
In the big games Messi also delivered having netted against Arsenal, Real Madrid, Valencia, Sevilla and in the European Super Cup win over FC Porto.
Even when he was not scoring, damage was already being done as the assists and chances kept pouring in; 24 assists, 18 of which came in the league proves that the Barca number 10 is also a reliable team player.
Where Next For Lionel Messi?
With Messi being on football’s equivalent of Mount Olympus, barring national success with Argentina, little remains for ‘The Flea’ to achieve.
The Rosario-born star can retire tomorrow and still go down in the same breath as the footballing world’s very own God’s such as Zinedine Zidane, Brazilian Ronaldo, Pele, George Best, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff and the likes of Luis Figo, Rivaldo and Thierry Henry – all great players in many respects.
The point being made about Messi’s lack of success with the national side cannot be gleamed over. After a poor individual performance at this year’s Copa America question marks continue to linger.
Still, the 24-year-old is targeting World Cup success with La Albiceleste come 2014.
He needs little motivation however, having been named Argentine Footballer of the Year for the fifth time in 2010.
The future is bright, the future is Messi and should Barcelona’s number 10 stay injury free and insatiably hungry, many more individual honours will follow a player who, make no mistake about it, is a living legend even at his tender age.
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