Benzema hails Messi for Ballon d’Or comments
FT Desk
- Updated: 23 May 2023 08:46 CDT
- 3 min read
Karim Benzema has hailed Lionel Messi after the Argentine superstar declared that the Real Madrid hitman deserved to win the Ballon d’Or this year.
Benzema is the red-hot favourite to win football’s most prestigious individual prize after a sensational year in which he led Madrid to both Champions League and La Liga glory.
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The veteran Frenchman scored 44 goals in 46 games in all competitions and was pivotal in the Champions League knockout wins over PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City.
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Benzema’s performances led to Messi proclaiming Benzema as the deserved winner of the 2022 Ballon d’Or.
What did Messi say?
“There's no doubt, it’s very clear that Benzema had a spectacular year," Messi told TyC Sports. “I think there is no doubt this year.”
And Benzema has now responded to Messi’s words by thanking the PSG attacker.
What did Benzema say?
"I heard the words from Messi and they made me very happy, very content that they come from a player like him," the Frenchman said.
"They give me motivation to do more things."
Benzema and Messi are both currently starring for their countries in international competition.
Messi was man-of-the-match on Wednesday as Argentina beat Italy 3-0 at Wembley in the Finalissima between the South American and European champions.
He created two of his team’s goals in a comprehensive victory.
Benzema scored an excellent solo goal in the UEFA Nations League against Denmark but France eventually lost the match 2-1.
