Karim Benzema deserves to win Ballon d'Or: Lionel Messi

PARIS: Real Madrid's French striker Karim Benzema deserves to win the Ballon d'Or this year after helping to guide his team to the Champions League title, seven-times winner of the award Lionel Messi said on Monday.

Benzema had the best season of his 13-year career at Real, scoring 44 goals with 15 assists in all competitions as they won a LaLiga-Champions League double.

The 34-year-old topped the scoring charts in both competitions and netted hat-tricks against Paris St Germain and Chelsea in the knockout stages to secure Real's progress.

"There are no doubts, it's very clear that Benzema had a spectacular year and ended up victorious in the Champions League," PSG forward Messi said on Argentine television.

"He was fundamental in all the matches from the round of 16 onwards. I think there is no doubt this year."

The Ballon d'Or award for the best soccer player in the world will be presented on October 17, with the nominees set to be revealed on August 12.

The prestigious trophy will now be awarded on the basis of a regular season from August to July rather than a calendar year. Agencies

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