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Why Messi deserved the Ballon d’Or

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Lionel Messi put the lid on all speculations winning the Ballon d’Or for the seventh time on November 29, 2021.

Many questioned the decision, however, pointing out that the likes of Robert Lewandowski (49) and Karim Benzema (33) deserved it more since they have more goals in 2021 than Lionel Messi (29). 

But, goals are not the only factor that determines a Ballon d’Or winner.

If that were the case, Luca Modric would have been nowhere near the Ballon d’Or top 10, let alone winning it.

The voting criteria

The Ballon d’Or voters pick their winner based on two criteria:

  1. Did the player perform at an extra-ordinary level? If the player plays in a non-attacking position, his impact in the team’s performance needs to be taken into consideration since they do not have quantifiable metrics. 
  2. Did he manage to transform his personal brilliance into collective success? 

That said, we are not claiming that there have not been any controversial calls in the history of Ballon d’Or.

Wesley Sneijder in 2010 and Franck Ribery in 2013 will always be seen as the unluckiest nominees of the prestigious award.

But, in 2021, the voters chose the right footballer. 

Lewandowski & Benzema analysis

Robert Lewandowski won the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, but Bayern’s sheer dominance in the German top-flight makes it hard to believe that they would not have won it without their mercurial striker.

The Bavarians have won the league for the ninth consecutive season in 2020/21, so it is hard to root for a Bayern player in the Ballon d’Or without Bayern winning the Champions League.

Karim Benzema has been operating in a whole other level since Cristiano Ronaldo left Los Blancos.

Despite his incredible returns, the Frenchman failed to lead Real Madrid to any silverware.

Madrid crashed out of the Champions League semis, got knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Spanish third-tier side Alcoyano, and finished second to neighbours Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

Messi’s feats

Messi, on the other hand, has won trophies both for his club and country apart from registering some impressive stats.

Messi contributed 30 goals in 36 La Liga appearances for Barcelona last season, leading them to a third-place finish, which seems unlikely for the Blaugrana to achieve this season.

The Argentine put up a man-of-the-match performance in the Copa del Rey as Barca cruised to a 4-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao.

Winning the Copa del Rey might not have been enough for Messi to surpass Lewandowski or Jorginho, who was a vital part of Chelsea’s UCL triumph and Italy’s Euro win.

It was Messi’s fantastic performance in Copa America that made him a clear favourite for the honour. 

As Argentina lifted their first international trophy in 28 years, Messi led from the front with four goals and five assists over 630 minutes.

The 34-year-old exhibited genuine leadership qualities in Brazil and inspired the whole team to perform better, much akin to a certain Diego Maradona who sent Argentina to football paradise 25 years ago.

Lionel Messi is still settling in at his new club Paris Saint-Germain, and his performances are yet to hit the astronomical standards that we have seen him set over the past years.

But, it would be unfair to consider him unworthy of the Ballon d’Or for his recent struggles. On a personal level, he had a phenomenal season in 2020/21 and was duly rewarded for it. 

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BGT

Simon Katich Criticizes George Bailey’s Call to Axe Nathan McSweeney from Australian Team

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Simon Katich Criticizes George Bailey’s Call to Axe Nathan McSweeney from Australian Team

Simon Katich has sharply criticized George Bailey’s decision to drop Nathan McSweeney from the Australian team. Simon Katich believes this call was a poor decision, especially after McSweeney’s consistent performance. Bailey’s choice has sparked discussions about the selection process and the reasoning behind it.

McSweeney’s exclusion has raised eyebrows, with many questioning why a player with such promise was dropped. Katich, in particular, feels that Bailey’s decision to axe McSweeney is questionable, especially when compared to the struggles of other top-order batters. Both teams in the recent series have faced challenges with their top-order batting, but the Australian selectors decided to make this change.

Katich’s comments reflect growing concerns about the selection strategy and the impact of dropping McSweeney. He pointed out that many players have struggled with their form, yet McSweeney was chosen to be left out. This, Katich argues, highlights the inconsistency in the decision-making process.

Top-order batters in both teams have faced difficulties, with neither side managing to produce consistent runs. Despite these struggles, the decision to remove McSweeney has left fans and experts questioning the rationale behind the move. Some believe that dropping McSweeney might have been premature, given the form of other players.

Katich’s criticism brings attention to the broader issue of player selections in international cricket. As teams prepare for future series, these decisions are likely to influence the direction of Australian cricket. The focus now shifts to how Bailey and the selectors will handle similar challenges in upcoming matches.

The debate continues, with many calling for more transparent and consistent decision-making regarding player selections in international cricket.

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BGT

Steve Smith and Travis Head Address BCCI’s Influence in Cricket

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Steve Smith and Travis Head discuss BCCI's influence in cricket, raising debates about power and fairness in the sport.

Steve Smith recently commented on BCCI’s influence in cricket, sparking debates about its significant role in global governance. During a media interaction, Smith remarked that the International Cricket Council (ICC) appears less powerful than the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This statement drew attention, prompting Smith to clarify his intentions quickly.

Smith acknowledged that the BCCI holds a dominant position in cricket due to its financial and organizational contributions. He pointed out how the Indian board influences key decisions that shape the sport. However, Smith softened his tone, emphasizing that his comments were not meant as criticism of either the ICC or the BCCI.

Travis Head, Smith’s Australian teammate, also addressed BCCI’s influence in cricket. Head humorously referred to the Indian board as “rulers,” recognizing its ability to set global standards in cricket. He highlighted the board’s pivotal role in defining policies and establishing benchmarks for the sport.

These remarks have reignited discussions about power dynamics in international cricket. Critics argue that the BCCI’s financial clout often overshadows smaller cricketing nations. They believe this imbalance can hinder fair representation in decision-making. On the other hand, supporters emphasize the BCCI’s critical role in expanding cricket’s global reach and popularity.

As India hosts the ICC Cricket World Cup, the spotlight remains on the BCCI’s influence in cricket. The board’s central role in shaping schedules, policies, and trends continues to drive conversations about equity in the sport. Smith and Head’s remarks reflect ongoing concerns about maintaining fairness and inclusivity in global cricket governance.

Their comments underscore the need for balanced representation to ensure a fair future for cricket.

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BIG NEWS

Robin Uthappa Arrest Warrant Issued Over Legal Dispute

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An arrest warrant has been issued against former cricketer Robin Uthappa in a financial dispute.

An arrest warrant has been issued against former cricketer Robin Uthappa in connection with a legal matter. The warrant was issued after Uthappa failed to appear in court for a financial dispute.

The legal issue involves a business deal where Uthappa is accused of financial misconduct. Despite multiple court summons, the cricketer failed to appear, leading to the warrant.

Robin Uthappa, known for his explosive batting in international cricket, has previously been a respected figure in the sport. He represented India in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, contributing significantly to their victory.

Sources claim that the legal dispute revolves around a business transaction gone wrong, with Uthappa allegedly involved in financial wrongdoing. The case has raised concerns, as the cricketer’s failure to attend court led to a strong response.

Legal experts believe the Robin Uthappa arrest warrant may have serious consequences if ignored. Further actions may be taken if Uthappa does not respond to the summons promptly.

Fans and cricket fans alike are shocked by the news, as Uthappa has always been admired for his cricketing achievements. His legal team has yet to comment on the arrest warrant.

The case has attracted significant media attention, with many waiting for updates. Uthappa’s involvement in this matter has left his supporters eager for clarification.

The situation surrounding the Robin Uthappa arrest warrant remains fluid, and legal experts predict more developments in the coming days.

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