INTER Miami and Argentina footballer, Lionel Messi has openly acknowledged that the 2022 Ballon d’Or was rightfully given to Karim Benzema, who at that time played for Real Madrid.
Lionel Messi, who is in contention to win this year’s Ballon d’Or award, which could be his eighth Ballon d’Or award, says Al-Ittihad star, Karim Benzema, was rightfully presented with the gong.
“I think Benzema deservedly won the Ballon d’Or. He deserves it for the great year he has had and what he has done throughout his career," he told France Football magazine.
"He is a great player and I think it is important for him and for football that he received this honour," he added.
Benzema, 35, is the current awardee of France Football’s prize after his impressive campaign for Real Madrid in which he led the Los Blancos to the Champions League and La Liga double.
Karim Benzema is also among the contenders for this year’s Ballon d’Or but remains unlikely that the Frenchman will win it for the second consecutive time.
