Lionel Messi says there is “no doubt” that Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema deserves to win his first Ballon d’Or award this year.
Messi has won a record seven Ballon d’Or awards as the world’s best player, but saw his new club Paris Saint-Germain eliminated by Madrid in the round of 16 of the Champions League this year after Benzema scored a hat-trick in the second half of the return leg.
Benzema netted another four goals against Chelsea in the quarterfinals and three against Manchester City in the semi-finals including the decisive penalty in extra time of the second leg before Madrid defeated Liverpool 1-0 in the final on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the “Finalissima” (the revival of the clash between the Copa America winners Argentina and European champion Italy), Messi said: “I believe that there’s no doubt about it.
“It’s very clear that Benzema had a spectacular year, ended up winning the Champions (League), being pivotal from Round of 16 onwards, at all matches. I believe that there are no doubts about this year.”
Benzema was also the top scorer in the Spanish league as Madrid won the title in dominant fashion. In total, he scored 44 goals in 46 matches with his club this season, and equalled Madrid great Raul Gonzalez as the club’s second-highest scorer with 323 goals.
About Author
