Messi: Benzema deserves to win the Ballon d’Or

Karim Benzema, a French striker for Real Madrid, deserves to win the Ballon d’Or this year after helping his side win the Champions League, Lionel Messi, a seven-time winner of the award, said on Monday.

Real Madrid’s Benzema had his best season in his 13-year career, scoring 44 goals and providing 15 assists in all competitions as they won the LaLiga and Champions League double.

Real’s progress was secured as the 34-year-old topped the scoring charts in both competitions, scoring hat-tricks against PSG and Chelsea in the final stages.

PSG forward Lionel Messi stated on Argentine television, “There are no doubts, it’s very evident that Benzema had a wonderful year and ended up triumphant in the Champions League.”

“From the round of 16 onwards, he was crucial in every match.” This year, I don’t think there’s any doubt.”

On Oct. 17, the Ballon d’Or award for the finest soccer player in the world will be presented, with the nominees being announced on Aug. 12.

Instead of a calendar year, the famous trophy will henceforth be given based on a regular season from August to July.

Real Madrid won their 14th European Cup with their win over Liverpool, more than twice as many as the next most successful team, AC Milan.

PSG were eliminated 3-2 on aggregate in the last 16 by Benzema’s hat-trick in the second leg, depriving the French club from winning Europe’s best club championship for the first time.

“The Real Madrid game killed us all, including myself and the rest of the locker room.” We were full of optimism. It motivates me to win once more,” Messi remarked.

“However, the Champions League is not always won by the best team. I don’t want to take anything away from Real Madrid; they weren’t the best team in the competition, but they still managed to overcome everyone.”