Messi's disappointing 2017 continues

The Barcelona star has just a Copa del Rey and a Golden Shoe to show for himself in 2017, despite recording better statistics than Ronaldo in almost every recorded category.

In the end though, Real Madrid's team successes and Ronaldo's role in them proved key and were enough the help the 32-year-old to his fifth Ballon d'Or.

Messi had more than a credible case for taking home the award, having scored 52 goals in 59 games so far in 2017. As well as scoring almost a goal per game for his club side, Messi also starred for Argentina, with his hat-trick against Ecuador securing World Cup qualification for the 'Albiceleste'.

It's not just all about goals with Messi though, with the 30-year-old also racking up 15 assists this year. Nevertheless, his contributions weren't enough to push Barca to a major domestic or European title.

That is exactly what Ronaldo took advantage of, scoring 10 times in five games from the quarter-finals of the Champions League onwards to propel Real to their third European title in four years and cement his place as the best player of 2017.

Messi meanwhile, failed to stand out in the comeback win over PSG, instead being outshone by team-mate Neymar, before Juventus took advantage of an erratic performance to send Barca packing in the competition.

The Argentine will be hoping that his team-mates can step up and help him ensure that he is the one pictured grinning on a podium in the Eiffel Tower come December 2018.