Karim Benzema has this weekend responded to the recent comments of Lionel Messi, in which the Argentine showered praise on Real Madrid’s captain and talisman.
For those not aware, earlier this week, Messi, beyond qualified to discuss the prize owing to his seven career wins to date, was asked for his take on the player most deserving of the Ballon d’Or for 2022.
And the 34-year-old was in no two minds when it comes to his choice, labelling the aforementioned Benzema, fresh off another Champions League triumph, the runaway frontrunner for world football’s most coveted individual accolade:
“I think there are no doubts Benzema should win the Ballon d’Or,” Messi explained during an interview with Argentine outlet 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.”
Speaking to the media on the back of France’s surprise 2-1 defeat at the hands of Denmark, in which the striker bagged his country’s only goal of the night, Benzema was therefore unsurprisingly pressed on Messi’s comments regarding his form.
Karim Benzema has now scored in five consecutive games for France:
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⚽️ vs. ??
⚽️⚽️ vs. ??
⚽️ vs. ??
⚽️ vs. ??Sitting the Denmark defenders down. ?
(video via @PremierSportsTV)pic.twitter.com/nkrhe4YahP
— Squawka (@Squawka) June 3, 2022
And the 34-year-old went on to confirm both his ‘content’ and ‘happiness’ with such praise coming by way of a player of the PSG superstar’s status, responding:
“I heard the words from Messi and they made me very happy, very content that they come from a player like him.
“They give me motivation to do more.”
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