Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have occupied the top two spots in the Ballon d Or voting in all but one of the past nine years, and 2017 promises to continue that trend.
The Barcelona superstar just holds the edge on his rival with five wins to Ronaldo s four, and if the trophy truly stands as the ultimate reward for individual brilliance as it claims Messi will extend that advantage at Thursday s ceremony in Paris.
Ronaldo took home the prize last year, at the end of a 12-month period that saw him claim European glory on both domestic and international fronts with Real Madrid and Portugal.
He has enjoyed a similarly stellar 2017, scooping a LaLiga winners medal as well as a third Champions League crown in four seasons.
But the Ballon d Or does n…