Ballon d’Or 2022: Lionel Messi has ‘no doubts’ Karim Benzema will win award after ‘fundamental’ role at Real Madrid

Lionel Messi has “no doubts” Karim Benzema will collect the Ballon d’Or trophy this year after leading Real Madrid to La Liga and Champions League glory. Benzema was the heavy favourite heading into Saturday’s Champions League final, with only a Liverpool victory likely to hamper his chances and boost the prospects of both Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

Ad/> However, with Real winning the final 1-0, and Benzema topping the scoring charts both in La Liga (27 goals) and the Champions League (15), the Frenchman is widely expected to win France Football’s coveted award. Premier LeagueChelsea confirm Boehly consortium has completed takeoverAN HOUR AGO “There are no doubts,” seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi told TyC Sports.

“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, whose PSG side lost to Real in the last 16 of the Champions League, was speaking ahead of Argentina’s “Finalissima” match against Italy on Wednesday, the international match at Wembley which pits the Copa America winners against the Euro 2020 champions. 'Argument is over' — Ferdinand says Ballon d'Or is now Karim Benzema's 'It is sad for sure' — Mane expresses disappointment at lack of African Ballon d'Or winners Ballon d’Or overhauled in major shake up to award With a World Cup to come later this year, Messi was hesitant to call Argentina contenders, but said the “young group” are capable of beating any nation.

/> “It’s a group that plays every game as if it were a final,” he added. “The coaching staff prepares for every match very well, and they know perfectly well what they are playing for and what they have to do at each moment of the