My shortlist for this would most likely be;

- Lionel Messi (He has garnered 51 goals and 15 assists in 3 competitions, and still has to play Copa Americas. If they win here, it will catapult him to a very high chance to win Ballon D' Or)
- Mo Salah (He has 26 goals and 8 assists in all competitions. Been instrumental in Liverpool despite recent injuries. He is also set to play for Egypt in the AFCON, with Egypt being one of the teams to watch)
- Sadio Mane (Has 26 goals and one assist in all competitions. Equaled his teammate, Salah's goal tally in lesser games. One of Liverpool's key players as well this year along with Salah. Will be playing in AFCON for Senegal)

Now, this is just my top 3 shortlist. Mane and Salah has equal chances of ousting Messi if either one of them wins their conference cups for their respective countries. However, if Lionel Messi wins it for Argentina, he will most likely solidify his position as the top rated player this year for the Ballon D'Or trophy due to him having a fantastic season this year with Barcelona.