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Lionel Messi, who is a shoo-in for the next Ballon d’Or award, commented on the last edition of the ceremony, saying Al-Ittihad star Karim Benzema was rightfully presented with the gong.
Benzema, 35, is the current awardee of France Football’s prize after his impressive campaign for Real Madrid in which he led the Los Blancos to the Champions League and LALIGA double.
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16:16 - 19.10.2023
Karim Benzema denies link with 'terrorist group,' threatens to sue France Interior Minister over allegations
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14:52 - 23.10.2023
Only Messi and Ronaldo were once better than Hazard claims Burnley manager Vincent Kompany
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What Messi said
In a conversation with France Football magazine, Messi said he thought Benzema deserved the award, and thought it was important for the sport that he received the trophy.
“I think Benzema deservedly won the Ballon d’Or. He deserves it for the great year he has had and what he has done throughout his career," he said.
"He is a great player and I think it is important for him and for football that he received this honour."
The 36-year-old joined the Miami-based MLS side last summer, rejecting a proposal from both Barcelona in Europe and Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. His was an instant impact in Miami, leading the team to their first-ever trophy, the Leagues Cup.
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