Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi has said that Karim Benzema deserves to win the Ballon d’Or this year.
Benzema scored a total of 44 goals for Real Madrid, emerging as the top scorer for Los Blancos in both the UEFA Champions League and the Spanish La Liga.
His most memorable performances came in the Champions League when he scored back-to-back hat tricks against Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals and round of 16, respectively.
The Frenchman was also on target yet again for the Whites as they defeated Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 to clinch the 2022 UEFA Super Cup.
Unlike Messi, Benzema is among the 30 contenders for the 2022 Ballon d’Or.
“Ballon d’Or? I think this year there are no doubts, it is clear that Karim Benzema had a spectacular year,” Lionel Messi has told TyC Sports, quoted by Marca.
“Benzema was fundamental in the UCL from the round of 16 onwards in every game. I don’t think there are doubts about him winning the Ballon d’Or.”
Benzema is expected to win the award after the terrific year he’s had, winning three trophies at the club and recording 44 goals and 15 assists in 46 matches last season.
Real Madrid Duo Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior Receive Top UEFA Awards
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Real Madrid duo Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior were presented with special awards by UEFA before their Super Cup clash against Frankfurt.
Benzema was adjudged the best player for the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League season while Vinicius was named the best young player in the same competition.
The Frenchman notched 15 goals and 2 assists while the Brazilian winger contributed with 4 goals and 7 assists, including the match-winner in the final against Liverpool.
Source: Sports Brief News
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