The results for the 2018 Ballon d'Or were shocking for a number of reasons.

Luka Modric became the first man to win the accolade since 2007 who's name wasn't Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, while Ronaldo finished second, Messi was all the way down in 5th.

That was the first time Messi has finished outside the top three since 2006.

It seemed an insult to a player who many consider to be the best of all time.

But, it can already be said that he will be back in the podium places when the 2019 Ballon d'Or is announced in December.

Messi has been absolutely tremendous this season.

At 31 years old, he is currently enjoying one of the best seasons of his career.

He's already scored 45 times in 42 games in what has been a brilliant campaign on a personal level.

Messi also has the chance to win a treble this season.

Barcelona are well on course to win La Liga, while they are also in the Champions League semi-finals and the Cope del Rey final.

Manchester United were Messi's latest victims; with the Argentine sensational as Barcelona won 3-0 on Tuesday.

Messi has been widely praised following Barca's victory over Man United and now Rivaldo has become the latest man to hail him.

“It's impossible to describe Messi,” he told Goal. “I like him so much and I always say I feel so sad because he never won the World Cup with Argentina.

"It is an award he deserves because a world-class player like him must be a world champion."

The Brazilian went on to claim that Messi already deserves to win the Ballon d'Or, even if Barcelona don't win the Champions League.

“He has been scoring goals, giving assists and being the top scorer in La Liga for a long time and I think what he has been doing in the Champions League means his merits should be recognised.

“He had a chance to score a bicycle kick but it's not an easy one to take because you don't get those chances often in games. It was a good effort but it didn't quite come off.

“Even if he doesn't win the Champions League, however, he already deserves the Ballon d'Or.”

Interesting. Messi is obviously the early front-runner to win the award for the sixth time.

However, the football season is only in April. Although unlikely, he may well suffer a dip in form between now in December.

Does Messi already deserve the Ballon d'Or? Have your say by leaving a comment below.