Ballon d’Or: Messi Leads Top 7 Contenders

As the debates rage over this year’s Ballon d’Or award, Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi has emerged as the odds on favourite to scoop the prestigious prize.

If the 34-year-old maestro takes it home again, he will be winning it for a record-extending seventh time.

After scoring 33 goals and providing 14 assists in all competitions for Barcelona last season, Messi is widely expected to win the prize.

The Argentine magician further enhanced his case by playing a starring role as his country won the Copa America, pipping hosts Brazil 1-0 in the final.

Messi scored four goals and provided a record five assists to help Argentina end a 28-year wait for an international trophy.

The six-time ballon d’Or winner finished as tournament leading scorer, MVP and highest assist provider.

Other candidates on the list are:

Robert Lewandowski, the Bayern Munich striker who was last season’s European Golden Shoe winner ahead of Messi and Ronaldo after netting a record-breaking 41 goals in Bundesliga in 2020/2021.

Kylian Mbappe, who scored 42 times in 47 games in all competitions for Paris Saint-Germain last season as Mauricio Pochettino’s men surrendered the Ligue 1 title to Lille.

N’Golo Kante, who added the Champions League title to his many achievements this year, though his chances were dampened by France’s poor display at the just concluded Euro 2020.

Jorginho, the Italy midfielder who won the European championship in addition to the Champions League crown.

Kevin de Bruyne, the Manchester City’s playmaker who was instrumental as Pep Guardiola’s team won the Premier League and Carabao Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the veteran Juventus forward who made history last season, becoming the first player to finish as top scorer in the Premier League, LaLiga and now Serie A.