Selecting 3 Christmas Gifts for Barcelona's Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi has one La Liga game left in 2014 before he departs the scene for a very well-earned rest.

After a tumultuous year in which the Argentina captain has barely had the chance to catch his breath, his forthcoming two weeks off will give him the chance to reassess his goals and refocus his energy.

Despite dropped points in the league, Barcelona remain very much in contention and are alive in all other competitions.

With so much to look forward to in the second half of the season, what three things might Messi hope to receive for Christmas?

Another Ballon d'Or

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Could another Ballon d'Or be on the cards?

Before anyone ridicules Lionel Messi's chances of picking up an unprecedented fifth Ballon d'Or, the fact remains that he is in the final three and has just as much chance of success as the other two nominees, Cristiano Ronaldo and Manuel Neuer.

For many, the accolade is Ronaldo's to lose, but the Argentinian has come up on the rails in the same way the Portuguese did last year.

Becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in La Liga and the Champions League cannot be dismissed offhand. Though he was ultimately on the losing side in the final, his performances and contribution in the World Cup must also be taken into account.

Can he unwrap another Golden Ball in January?

Happiness

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Messi needs to be kept happy.

Ben Hayward of Goal.com cited Pep Guardiola recently, using a quote that is years old but perfectly relevant now: "Barcelona are on form when Messi is on form, and for Messi to be on form, he has to be happy."

There is little doubt that Barca's talisman is most definitely not happy at this point. Whether it's because of constant press sniping about tax issues, substandard transfer purchases or indeed anything else, Barca need to rescue Messi from his malaise.

Quite how the Blaugrana would cope if the best player in history decided to leave before the autumn of his career is anyone's guess, but it remains a possibility.

According to Hayward:

"

Things aren't all rosy on the pitch, either. Messi cut a forlorn figure in the recent win at Almeria as he was forced to drop deep in search of the ball and has told Luis Enrique that he wants Xavi in the team.

That has forced a change of tactics from the Asturian coach in recent times, but has also seen the former Barca midfielder lose credibility in the dressing room.

[...]

Messi said that Barca have 'sufficient quality players to win trophies this season' but remains unconvinced both by Luis Enrique and the current sporting project.

[...] 

So even though the forward's father, Jorge, has said his son wants to remain at Camp Nou and the player himself said in his now infamous interview that 'if it were up to me, I would stay forever,' Messi will study offers to leave the Catalan club unless efforts are made to ensure his happiness.

"

Pichichi

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Can Messi close the gap on Ronaldo?

Supporters often seem to judge how good a player is by the amount of goals he scores.

Messi certainly weighs in with his share.

He has some way to go if he wants to catch his nemesis, Cristiano Ronaldo, but you've got to have ambition, right?

As it stands, before the last La Liga game of the year, the Argentinian trails 25 goals to 13, per Messi vs. Ronaldo.

Catching up will be difficult—but not impossible.