Ballon d’Or: Lionel Messi Opens Up on True Feelings About Benzema Winning Prize for the 1st Time

• Lionel Messi has expressed his thoughts on Karim Benzema winning the Ballon d'Or in 2022
• The Argentine missed out on the prestigious prize last year
• Messi is expected to return to the podium for the 2023 gala

Lionel Messi has expressed his perspective on Karim Benzema's inaugural Ballon d'Or victory last year.

With seven Golden Balls already in his possession, Messi believes the Frenchman deserved the esteemed individual accolade for his outstanding performances during the 2021/2022 season.

Benzema, who recently joined the ranks of elite stars in the Saudi Pro League, secured the Ballon d'Or in 2022, surpassing former Barcelona forward Lionel Messi and other contenders, thanks to his remarkable achievements in the previous season.

According to Sky Sports, the seasoned striker netted 44 goals and contributed 15 assists, playing a pivotal role in Real Madrid's 14th Champions League triumph, ultimately leading to his well-deserved recognition.

A list of Champions League winners who also won the Ballon d’Or

Football

Messi has now offered insights into his thoughts on Benzema's triumph, as revealed in the upcoming documentary 'Ballon d'Or 2022: The Race Towards Eternity,' set to be aired by L'Equipe.

"I think Benzema was a fair winner," the Argentine began as cited by GOAL.

"He deserves it for the great year he had and what he has been doing throughout his career. He is a wonderful player, and I think it is important for him and for soccer that he has this recognition."

Ballon d'Or voting mechanics

Many people often wonder about the intricacies of the Ballon d'Or selection process.

Who decides the nominees and, ultimately, the winner? Throughout history, there have been contentious Ballon d'Or decisions that left fans divided on the fairness of the voting system.

In 2021, significant alterations were made to the Ballon d'Or regulations following Lionel Messi's seventh title win.

Eden Hazard: When Samuel Eto'o Compared Former Chelsea Star to Lionel Messi

Football

As noted by Sports Brief, the award's criteria shifted, no longer focusing on achievements within a calendar year but instead adopting a season-to-season approach.

Messi set to win 8th Ballon d'Or

Sports Brief also reported that the 2022 World Cup winner appears poised to secure his eighth Ballon d'Or, according to recent reports leaking the male and female award winners for 2023.

After narrowly missing out on the 2022 honour to Benzema, it is believed that Messi has received advanced confirmation of his triumph ahead of the official ceremony scheduled for October 30 in Paris.

Should the rumours prove true, Messi's victory would be a groundbreaking moment, representing the first instance of the Ballon d'Or being awarded to a player outside of Europe.