Picture Credit: Twitter
Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema is having a prolific season. The French professional helped Real Madrid win the Champions League title. Benzema has had the best season of his 13-year career at Madrid, scoring 44 goals with 15 assists in all competitions. And that is the reason seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi believes the 34-year-old will surely win the prestigious award this season.
Speaking on Argentine Television, Messi heaped praise on his long-time rival and asserted that Benzema will get the Ballon d’Or this year. "I think there are no doubts Benzema should win Ballon d'Or," Messi told TyC Sports. "It is very clear that Benzema had a spectacular year and ended up elevating himself with the Champions League, being essential from the last 16 onwards in all the games. I think there are no doubts this year."
Notably, the Ballon d’Or award for the best soccer player in the world will be presented on Oct. 17, with the nominees set to be revealed on Aug. 12.
Messi further talked about PSG’s defeat to Real Madrid in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League which prevented the French club from winning Europe’s elite club competition. “The Real Madrid game killed us, me and everyone in the dressing room. We had a lot of hope. It makes me want to win again,” Messi added.
Karim Benzema living the dream
The Real Madrid striker is living the dream of every club footballer. Benzema scored 15 goals in the Champions League, including the winners in the knockout rounds against PSG, Chelsea, and Manchester City. He also won La Liga with 27 goals and 12 assists in the competition. The 34-year-old Frenchman also netted hat-tricks against Paris St Germain and Chelsea in the knockout stages to secure Real’s progress.
This is the reason Benzema is a clear favorite to win the biggest individual award in the footballing world.