Lionel Messi Admits Madrid’s Karim Benzema Deserves to Win 2022 Ballon d’Or

• Former FC Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has conceded that Karim Benzema is in pole position to succeed him as this year's Ballon d'Or winner
• The Argentine playmaker joined a truckload of current and ex-superstars to confer the top diadem on Benzema, who has had an amazing campaign
• Coincidentally, Messi was the last player to receive the topmost individual award in football, when he clinched his seventh overall last season

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi is convinced Real Madrid's Karim Benzema is the undisputed favourite to succeed him as the best player in the world.

Benzema's stellar campaign was crowned with a Champions League winner's medal on top of La Liga success last Saturday to underline an impressive season which has firmly put him in the driving seat for the Ballon d'Or award.

The Frenchman, who bagged an incredible 44 goals in 46 games, is the overwhelming favourite to win this year's coveted diadem.

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Joining the train of top football icons backing Benzema is 7-time Ballon d'Or winner, Lionel Messi. The Argentine reckons Benzema's feat this year makes him the frontrunner for the individual accolade.

“There are no doubts, it’s very clear that [Karim] Benzema had a brilliant year and ended up winning the Champions League, being fundamental from the last 16 onwards in every game,” Messi told TyC Sports as quoted by AS.

Thierry Henry backs Benzema for Ballon d'Or award

Meanwhile, Arsenal icon Thierry Henry has declared Karim Benzema the clear winner of this year's Ballon d'Or winner.

The Real Madrid attacker has been in sensational form this season, inspiring Los Blancos to two major titles including the La Liga and Champions League titles.

While the 34-year-old was held scoreless in the Champions League final on Saturday night, May 28, against Liverpool, he did have a goal ruled out for offside.

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Benzema and eight other Real Madrid stars equal Ronaldo's Champions League record

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Karim Benzema and eight of his Real Madrid teammates matched Cristiano Ronaldo's remarkable five Champions League titles after helping the White Angels beat Liverpool in this season's Champions League finals.

Benzema, who has been Madrid's standout player throughout the season, propelled the record holders of the competition to the finals and were one step away from reaching Hallowed grounds.

Prior to the finals, Benzema and eight other current Madrid stars had won four Champions League titles but tonight's victory against Liverpool helped match Ronaldo's feat of five.