Leo Messi left a Copa America where more was said about his expulsion than about his football or goals - he only scored one. The Argentine player, this year's Golden Boot, and La Liga champion, has already been overtaken in the bets by Van Dijk for the election of the next Ballon D'Or.
Just two months ago, only Leo Messi seemed destined to lift the next Ballon D'Or, which would be the sixth of his career if he finally ends up achieving it. His personal season was lavish: Golden Shoe, 51 goals, 19 assists, a La Liga title and the 'Pichichi' of the Champions. Almost nothing, right? Well, to this datem he is not the great favorite to win the Ballon D'Or.
At least for the bookmakers, who now point to Van Dijk as the great aspirant to succeed Luka Modric. The Dutchman is not left behind in his merits either, as he won the Champions League with Liverpool (and was chosen the best player in the final), finished runner-up in the most competitive Premier League in recent history and won the prize for best player in the Premier League.
"I think Messi is the best in the world, he will deserve the Ballon D'Or as long as he plays. It doesn't matter if he didn't make it to the final this year. I don't think about winning it, but if I get it, I'll take it," said Van Dijk just after conquering the Champions League in the Wanda Metropolitano. The Liverpool player seems to be the only one that can discuss Messi's candidacy for the top prize, since Cristiano did not complete a stellar season.
The Portuguese player himself, however, achieved a lot in his first campaign at Juventus, with which he conquered the Serie A. However, he was neither the competition's top scorer nor did he have any weight in the Champions League, where Juve fell prematurely to Ajax. With Portugal, of course, he recently won the first edition of the Nations League.
In this race, Messi can be penalized for his horrible final 'sprint'. He came to Anfield with the Champions League final in his pocket, but was wiped off the map without being able to do anything to prevent it. Then came another setback in the final of the Copa del Rey, which ended up in the hands of Valencia. Finally, a Copa America in which has been irrelevant to the 'Albiceleste'.
Only one goal, and through penalty. In the semifinals he fell to his knees against Brazil, although the match had special controversial tones. As did the match for third place, in which the '10' ended up expelled and roaring publicly against CONMEBOL. He is still deemed as favourite, of course, but Messi may have missed out on finally getting that record-breaking 6th Ballon D'Or this year.