This season has been an extraordinary season for the aging French striker, Karim Benzema.
Because, Benzema managed to appear extraordinary with Real Madrid this season.
Benzema’s appearance even received appreciation from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar Lionel Messi.
Messi even called the French striker worthy of the Ballon d’Or trophy.
Benzema has recorded 44 goals and 15 assists in all competitions and has won the Spanish League and Champions League.
Benzema scored 27 goals in Spanish La Liga and scored 15 goals in the Champions League. The 34-year-old player recorded a hat-trick in two crucial Madrid matches in the Champions League, namely against Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
In the Champions League, Real Madrid was not seeded to win the title after always under pressure in the knockout phase.
But the presence of Benzema always makes Los Blancos rise and surprisingly victory.
This was seen in the round of 16 against Paris Saint-Germain and the quarter-final against Chelsea.
The 34-year-old player was able to score a hat-trick and ensure Real Madrid’s victory.
Messi also feels very confident that Benzema will get the Ballon d’Or award this year.
The PSG player admits that Benzema has had a very spectacular season.
“There is no doubt (Benzema won the Ballon d’Or), it is very clear that Benzema had a spectacular year and ended with a victory in the Champions League,” said Lionel Messi.
“He is fundamental in all matches from the last 16 onwards. I think there is no doubt this year,” added the Argentine.
Messi also said that Benzema had been a nightmare for PSG in the last 16 of the Champions League.
But the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is also motivated to be able to show his best again.
“Real Madrid destroyed us, me and everyone in the dressing room. We had hope. It made us want to win again. But the best teams don’t always win the Champions League.”
“I don’t underestimate Real Madrid, they are not the best in this competition, but they beat everyone,” said Messi, who has seven Ballon d’Or titles.
The Ballon d’Or awards night will be held on 17 October, while the names of the nominees will be announced on 12 August.
Messi and Benzema were once involved in a competition in the Spanish La Liga competition when La Pulga was still at Barcelona. In addition to elbows to defend their respective clubs, Messi and Benzema also compete in the top scoring standings.
