For the last three years, one man has been honored as the best player in the world. In 2012, he has an opportunity to make it four. That man is Lionel Messi and a Ballon d'Or victory on Jan. 7 would be another historic milestone for Barcelona's franchise star.
Messi is far and away the front-runner for the award, but there is one compelling argument against his victory: Messi did not win a major team trophy in 2012. The Spanish League title was wrestled away from Barcelona for the first time in three years by none other Cristiano Ronaldo's Real Madrid. While Ronaldo scored the game winner against Barcelona in the spring Clasico that essentially won them the trophy, Messi was held scoreless. During the Champions League, Messi had a prime chance to score on the penalty shot for Barcelona against a 10-man Chelsea, but he also failed and his team was eventually eliminated in the semi-final. During the Spanish Super Cup, he also failed to deliver the championship for Barcelona. The only trophy he delivered was the 2011-12 Copa Del Rey, but he only scored three goals in that one.
His two opponents did win major trophies in 2012. As aforementioned, Ronaldo won the Spanish League title and the Spanish Super Cup while Messi's Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta picked up a major victory at the Euro 2012. He also won the MVP for that tournament and was awarded with the award for the Best Player in Europe by UEFA.
However, Messi's 2012 has been like no other. At the top of everyone's list of recognition will be the superhuman feat of scoring 91 goals in a calendar year. The feat broke Gerd Müller's new record and established Messi as the greatest goal scorer of all time. He ended the 2011-12 season with 50 goals scored and 15 assists. In the Champions League he led all players with 14 goals and five assists. He ended the season on an even better run with 26 goals and five assists in 17 matches for Barcelona and is on pace to top the 50 goals he scored last season. He ended 2012 by scoring 15 goals in his last nine matches. He also has five goals in the Champions League and has finally shown his ability to lead his national team. Messi and Argentina are currently sitting atop the qualification table for the 2014 World Cup thanks to some big goals and plays from him.
For pure individual success, no one was better than Messi and that reason alone should enable him to win a record fourth Ballon d'Or.
To Read Why Ronaldo Should Win the Award, Click HERE.
Who Should Win the Ballon D'Or? Put your comment down below or Tweet @LatinosPostDave.
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