What Messi and Ronaldo early exits mean in Ballon d'Or race

Messi and Ronaldo 

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have shared the Ballon d'Or since 2008 but their domination of world football's top desk is underneath threat like never before after both men have been condemned to early exits on the 2018 FIFA world Cup. Regardless of having by no means won the competition, the duo have excelled in predominant tournaments for both club and country in the past and yet did not make their mark in Russia.

While Messi, was unable to carry a crisis-ridden Argentina side that almost crashed out in the groups past France, Ronaldo who hit an opening day hat-trick was with out a serious chance as his side were shown the competition's exit door with the aid of an Edinson Cavani inspired Uruguay.

Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Harry Kane, Luka Modric and lots of others have begun the tournament properly and can not be blamed for maintaining one eye at the Ballon d'Or, should their performances continue in the same vein.

With Qatar four-and-a-half years away, and time no longer on their side (Messi being 35 in 2022, Ronaldo 37), this world Cup slump comes at a terrible moment for both players and leaves a bitter taste after a season which saw each lift major trophies.