‘There are no doubts’- Six time winner Lionel Messi picks his Ballon d’Or choice for this year

A few days ago, the German legend Bastian Schweinsteiger had claimed Karim Benzema to be the best center-forward in the world and suggested that the Real Madrid player would be an easy Ballon d’Or winner.

Now, arguably the greatest footballer of this century has shared his opinion on the French footballer. While speaking to Argentine television, the Barcelona legend said, “Ballon d’Or? There are no doubts; it’s very clear that Benzema had a spectacular year.”

Messi’s comments on the topic has somewhat squashed all doubts around the Ballon d’Or this season. The Argentina player who himself won six Ballon d’Or has been massively impressed with the player from his arch-rival team.

Benzema scored 15 goals in the Champions League last season and took his team to the 14th Champions League win. Real Madrid were thought to be out of contention for the coveted prize as other teams looked stronger. The Spanish team, however, saw a resurgence in form with Carlo Ancelotti back in the dugout and went past all the other teams.

Their run in the final stages of the league was primarily immense as they defeated the biggest clubs in the world. Their final four opponents were PSG, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool. Benzema scored five goals against PSS, Chelsea and Manchester City to land his team in the final.

In total, the Real Madrid number nine scored 43 goals and further assisted 13 more to help them win the Champions League as well as the Laliga. Benzema previously remained in the shadows of Cristiano Ronaldo when the Portuguese was at Real Madrid. A move to Juventus and later to Manchester United, however, meant that Benzema was free at the front.

Ballon d’Or is a prestigious award is given to the best player for one season. This award was started by a French magazine called France Football way back in 1956. Lionel Messi has been awarded Ballon d’Or six times with Ronaldo coming in close at second with five.