2015 Ballon d’Or Winner: Lionel Messi Remains A King Amongst Kings

Lionel Messi’s 2015 Ballon d’Or win was one of the most impressive triumphs in recent memory. Undoubtedly the Argentine legend received this accolade for his epic performances and mesmerising displays.

But it was the nature of victory that should be celebrated most.

Because even among perhaps the planet’s finest striker trio – Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Luis Suarez – all of which he was in direct competition with, the superstar rose above them to be crowned best in the class.

It was a landmark year in which Lionel Messi truly became a king amongst kings.

The Rise Of MSN

Voting for the 2015 Ballon d’Or coincided with the completion of a Barcelona forward line up in full flow that would go on to become one of the greatest attacking three-pieces the modern game has witnessed.

Since the departure of David Villa in 2013, Messi had become Barcelona’s main attacking force and continued to thrive in the role.

In 2013, Brazilian outfit Santos announced the sale of their prodigy Neymar Jr to Barcelona and twelve months later secured the services of Liverpool’s Luis Suárez on a five-year contract for £65 million.

Messi, Suarez and Neymar, or ‘MSN’ as they became famously known, were devastating throughout the 2014/15 campaign. The three men scored an unbelievable 122 goals between them in all competitions. Luis Suarez netted 25 times in a slightly deeper playmaking role whilst Neymar scored 39 times as an aggressive and flair-filled striker option.

Yet Messi managed to come out on top and with his dynamic blend of composure, vision and skill, shone the brightest in a season of exceptionally high standards.

An Undisputed Champion

Despite being surrounded by a handful of generational talents, the Argentina international soared towards the very peak of the European game.

At the close of the 2014/15 campaign, Cristiano Ronaldo had just recorded his best ever goal scoring season, having played 54 games and registered a miraculous 61 goals – the fifth season in a row that he’d managed to reach the 50 goal plus mark.

Messi’s performance across the 2014/15 season was nothing short of spectacular – the South American wizard eventually scoring 58 goals in 57 appearances for the Spanish side.

He won five domestic trophies in 2015 at Camp Nou during a highly successful period for himself and the club. Barcelona claimed the 2014/15 La Liga title, Copa del Rey and 2015 Champions League.

Later that season Barca secured both the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup to round off the year. Messi started the 2015/16 campaign in equally superb form, going on to score 41 goals in 49 appearances.

By winning the 2015 Ballon d’Or, Lionel Messi continued to emphasise his greatness and a sheer world class quality. Despite facing tough challenges from two of his fellow teammates and the ongoing arch-rival with Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo – Messi spurred his Barcelona side to fantastic new heights by securing a domestic treble and rising to the top of an elite crop.

2015 Ballon d’Or Top 20

Trivia

• Lionel Messi’s 2014/15 goal tally was the third highest of his entire career – only bettered by 2012/13 (60 goals) and his 2011/12 tally (73 goals)
• In 2014/15, Cristiano Ronaldo enjoyed his most prolific goal scoring season to date – netting 61 times in all competitions.
• Neymar’s 2014/15 Champions League campaign would be his finest European tournament as he scored 10 goals in just 12 appearances on his side’s way to a 2015 triumph in the format.