Lionel Messi has named the three players he thinks can rival him and Ronaldo for the Ballon d’Or

Although Cristiano Ronaldo was the heavy favorite to win the Ballon d’Or this year after heroics of last season, Lionel Messi has given the voters something to think about after a stunning start of the season.

We have to say that the Portugese remains the favorite for the prize, but Lionel Messi has taken La Liga by storm this campaign.

So far, he has scored 18 goals and four assists.

On the other hand, Ronaldo is going through a difficult period, having netted only once in La Liga this term.

Barca are 10 points ahead of Los Blancos and they’re not looking as sharp as last season when they won La Liga and the Champions League.

However, recently, Messi has revealed the three players he thinks can rival him and Ronaldo for the Ballon d’Or in the future.

“There are many great players around today who can win the Ballon d’Or. In recent years there have just been two, but now players like Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Luis Suarez can compete for that award.”

Only time will tell as to whether the Barcelona star is correct yet, for the sake of a certain £199 million gamble, you’d like to hope one member of that trio pulls it off.