With Copa America title, La Liga golden boot, under his belt, Messi to bid for 7th Ballon d’Or

With Copa America-title, Best Player and Golden Boot, La Liga-golden boot under his belt, Lionel Messi came out as a strong contender for another Ballon d'Or this year.

Lionel Messi of Argentina received Golden Boot and Best Player award in Copa America 2021
Lionel Messi of Argentina received Golden Boot and Best Player award in Copa America 2021 / IMAGO

There is no better sight than Lionel Messi lifting an international trophy with joy as he did it emphatically after Argentina defeated nemesis Brazil in the finals of Copa America 2021. Finally, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for both La Albiceleste and their most celebrated player, and it is a deserved victory in every sense. As the Barcelona skipper celebrated with his teammates after winning winning Copa America title, there is a big chance for him to add another feather to his cap. Now he is a strong candidate to win the Ballon d’Or award.

Golden boot in La Liga and Copa del Rey title

Few may have doubted that there wouldn’t be any vintage Lionel Messi for the 20/21 season following his uncanny struggles at the start. However, as the season wore on, the 34-year-old showed he is the best player of the entire Blaugrana team, amassing goals at a ridiculous rate. Although the Blaugrana failed to lift the La Liga crown for the second consecutive season, Messi was still the league’s best player as he racked up 30 goals to claim his eighth Golden Boot. Messi also managed to bring some joy to the Blaugrana fans after he single-handedly thrashed Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey finals. 

However, Blaugrana’s failure in the Champions League continued. This time they suffered an exit in the round of 16 from the hands of PSG. But Messi was still the shining light in some of the games – against the likes of Juventus(away), PSG(away). Perhaps he managed to rack up 5 goals and 2 assists in 6 games, and the numbers are pretty much underrated.

Ending the trophy drought with the national team

Then entered Copa America 2021, and there were high hopes among the fans as they wanted Messi to end his bad luck with the national team. Argentina were never considered as the out-and-out favourites due to the presence of Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia. However, as the tournament progressed, Messi made the Argentines believe through his scintillating form. As it turned out, La Albiceleste managed to beat the likes of Colombia in the semi-finals and defending champions Brazil in the finals, with the six-time Ballon d’Or winner being the driving force behind the team. Contributing to the team’s 9 goals (4 goals and 5 assists), Messi was unanimously awarded the player of the tournament.

A strong contender for the Ballon d’Or award

Messi’s 2020/21 season is nothing short of extraordinary that can be matched only by a few. He looks a strong contender for the prestigious Ballon d’Or winner after being a standout in the domestic league and Copa America. There is still a big competition in the form of Harry Kane and Jorginho as they will be playing in the Euro 2020 finals on Sunday. Both of the players had a great season with the respective clubs, and a trophy with their national team could maximise their chances for the Ballon d’Or.