There are no doubts Karim Benzema should win Ballon d'Or, proclaims Lionel Messi

Karim Benzema has established himself as one of the best strikers in European football since joining Real Madrid in 2009. The striker’s link-up play and adaptability has seen him survive several different playstyles and managers at the Spanish giants. The French striker who has scored 323 goals for the Spanish side across all competitions has taken his performances up a notch this season with his prolificacy and efficiency.

"I think there are no doubts Benzema should win Ballon d'Or. 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,” Messi told TyC Sports. 

"It was new for me, it's a different situation. It had never happened to me in Barcelona but quite the opposite. The situation of the people and the anger for the players we had, for the team we were and because another year [went without a Champions League title], the anger is understandable. The Real Madrid thing killed us. To me, to the entire dressing room in general, to all of Paris,” he added.