Lionel Messi has revealed how he truly feels about Karim Benzema's Ballon d'Or triumph last year.
With the annual award ceremony around the corner, the Argentine has been pegged as the favourite to take it home this year. Last year, however, it was a different case entirely.
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Benzema played a crucial role in leading his Real Madrid side to their 14th Champions League trophy, and was rewarded with one of the most prestigious individual prizes a footballer can win.
He amassed an incredible 44 goals and 15 assists in 46 appearances for Los Blancos in the 2021/22 season, and averaged a direct goal contribution every 66.42 minutes.
In a new documentary titled Ballon d'Or 2022: The race towards eternity, broadcasted by L'Equipe, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, who was not nominated for the famous prize last year, winner praised the former Real Madrid talisman, admitting that he was deserving of the award.
"I think Benzema was a fair winner. He deserves it for the great year he had and what he has been doing throughout his career," Messi said in the documentary, per GOAL.
"He is a wonderful player and I think it is important for him and for soccer that he has this recognition."
In what will be the 67th instalment of the award, the 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony is set to take place on 30 October.
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Messi and other superstars such as Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Kevin De Bruyne, and Rodri are among this year's nominees.
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