Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have shared the last nine Ballon d’Ors between them and are again among the final three nominees for this year’s version. The Argentine has now discussed who could end their spell and become the next Ballon d’Or winner.
Tired of reading? Click through the mini-gallery to see which three players could lift the Ballon d’Or after Messi and Ronaldo.
Ronaldo was crowned FIFA’s The Best Men’s Player in 2016/17 and is widely expected to also pick up this year's Ballon d’Or on 8 December following his heroics last season.
Messi, though, insisted next year other players could end the Messi-Ronaldo Ballon d’Or reign, which started in 2008.
"There are many great players around today who can win the Ballon d'Or,” he told Marca.
"In recent years there have just been two, but now players like Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Luis Suarez can compete for that award."
In addition, Messi stated that, even though he values his individual awards, he would much rather pick up another UEFA Champions League trophy.
"It's a beautiful way of recognising what it represents, but I've always said my priority was never individual awards,” he added.
"I would prefer to win another Champions League or LaLiga, they are my priorities.
"But it's beautiful to have these at home because of the meaning they have."
Read: The Highest Paid Players In The World After Messi Extension
Which player do you think can end the Messi-Ronaldo reign? Have your say in the comments section below.
