Messi’s injury appears to have harmed his Ballon d’Or chances
Published:It’s not just Lionel Messi’s hamstring and Barcelona’s seasonal ambitions which have been damaged in recent days, as the Argentine’s chances to claim a fifth straight Ballon d’Or have also taken a knock with news of his injury.
Surely the betting to be crowned the world’s best footballer shouldn’t be affected by one of the leading candidates suffering an injury this late into the year?
Well it appears it has, with Messi drifting from 8/5 to 2/1 following the news he is likely to be ruled out until 2014.
Messi has still managed to rack up 14 goals in as many Barca appearances this season, but the fact he won’t now be at the forefront of people’s minds in the build-up to the award could have something to do with the shift.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo rattling in his third Real Madrid hat-trick of the season and his 23rd for the Spanish club overall, may just have something to do with it though, as the Portuguese’s price has come steaming into 3/1 from 6/1.
Despite the Ballon d’Or rewarding the candidates for their year’s work, Ronny’s exhilarating form in a white shirt this season has been nothing short of re-donk-ulous.
Ronaldo’s goal-scoring antics have seen him rack up an incredible tally of 27 from just 19 appearances for club and country, including nine in his last four in all competitions for Madrid. Gareth who?
If Ronaldo carries on with this mind-bending scoring rate, then he may just leave the competition flailing anyhow.
Nevertheless, Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery remains the 1/1 favourite to scoop FIFA’s highest individual accolade.
Ribery’s contribution to Bayern’s treble-winning season seems to have ensured his status, though things could still change in the last few months.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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