Koeman: Messi is favorite for Ballon D’Or

Koeman: Messi is favorite for Ballon D’Or

Catalan Barcelona head coach Ronald Koeman has called Lionel Messi the main contender for Ballon D’Or.

The Champions League failure and third place in La Liga seem to have completely canceled out by Messi's Copa America victory. He became the top scorer, the best assistant and was recognized as the player of the tournament! But most importantly, he brought Argentina the first international cup in 28 years. Not surprisingly, , bookmakers unanimously call Leo the main contender for Ballon d'Or after that.

The odds for the Argentine to win in the nomination are 1.4-1.5 and he significantly outperforms his direct competitor Robert Lewandowski, for whom the odds are from 7.00. Ronald Koeman also expressed his opinion, who is waiting for Messi to return to Barcelona, although the contract has not yet been signed,

“Messi is very important to us. He is the team captain and a model. Leo really wanted to win Copa America. And since he's the best player in the world, he's used to winning. For me, he is the main favorite to receive the Ballon d'Or,” Koeman said.

It is unlikely that the Dutch coach could say something else, because now the whole world is discussing the extension of Messi's contract with Barca. And until the agreement is signed, everyone in Barcelona, from the coach to the janitor, will pour compliments towards the forward.

On the other hand, all these whists are deserved. Leo was indeed the best at Copa America with four goals and five assists. Plus, he showed himself as captain and a leader when he finished the semi-final against Colombia with a bleeding ankle and played in the final with a hamstring injury.

Against the backdrop of such conversations, Lewandowski really did not have a chance. Messi will take his seventh Ballon d'Or and leave Ronaldo two awards behind. We think, given his age, Cristiano will no longer be able to close the gap, no matter how he tries to win more titles together with Portugal and Juventus.