Champions League news: Mourinho gives verdict on Liverpool-Barcelona clash while also tipping Messi to win the Ballon d'Or
What’s the story?
Cristiano Ronaldo and his side Juventus were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League earlier this week as they lost 3-2 on aggregate to Ajax. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi was successful in inspiring FC Barcelona to a massive win over Manchester United as they beat the Red Devils 4-0 on aggregate.
Since Ronaldo is no more in the running for the UEFA Champions League, Mourinho thinks that Messi is now the favourite to win the Ballon d'Or.
In case you didn’t know..
Cristiano Ronaldo led the Bianconeri against Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16 as he scored a sensational hat-trick to overturn the tie and secure a berth for his side in the quarter finals.
His heroics did keep Old Lady's dream alive but Ajax were successful in shutting down a lackluster Juve side who were overly reliant on the Portuguese to take them all the way. The 34-year-old did score twice over two legs against the young Dutch side but it was not enough.
Meanwhile Messi lead his side to a comfortable rout of United as he scored twice early on to set up a semi final clash against Liverpool.
The heart of the matter
Now that Cristiano Ronaldo is out of the Champions League and Lionel Messi is still in contention to complete a treble with Barcelona, it looks like the Argentine is the clear favorite to win the most prestigious individual honour. The Barcelona captain has already been backed by Rivaldo earlier this week to take home his 6th Ballon d'Or.
The latest to join this debate is Jose Mourinho. Following Barcelona's win against the Red Devils, the former United boss said: "Messi is having a phenomenal season and, with Juventus and Cristiano Ronaldo out of this fight, he knows that the Ballon d'Or is there waiting for him."
Messi is having a spectacular season and has already scored 33 goals in La Liga and 10 in UEFA Champions League.
When asked on who he thinks has the better chance between Liverpool and Barcelona he said: "I would say they are a bit more of a favorite than Liverpool, but I also think it's 50-50."
What's next?
Messi is definitely a front runner to win the Ballon D'or but he faces some stiff challenges before that, as he faces Liverpool in the semi finals of UEFA Champions League.