Lionel Messi played no role in the awarding of the Ballon d’Or 2022 – Photo: A.PAES / Shutterstock.com
Last year, Lionel Messi (35) was not among the top 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or for the first time in his career and had to give way to Karim Benzema (35). This year things look completely different. This is what Messi thinks about last year’s winner Benzema.
Lionel Messi is one of the best players in history. His individual awards also underline this. He has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or seven times alone. The eighth could even be added soon. But last year Karim Benzema was awarded the prize that belongs to the best footballer.
“I think Benzema was a deserved winner,” said Messi recently in a documentary by the French newspaper L’Equipe about the 2022 Ballon d’Or. The Argentine, who surprisingly did not make it into the award for the best footballer in the world last year After making it to the top 30, Benzema said he praised him highly.
Benzema title “important for all of football”
“He deserves it for the great year he has had and also for what he has already achieved throughout his career,” said La Pulga, adding: “He is a wonderful player and it is important for him and for the whole Football that he receives this recognition.”
Karim Benzema (l.) won the premier class with Real Madrid in 2022 – Photo: Jose Breton- Pics Action / Shutterstock.com
Both have now left the European stage. While Messi plays for Inter Miami in the American MLS, the Frenchman earns his money with reigning champions Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. The election for the 2023 Ballon d’Or winner will be held soon.
Messi probably favorite for Ballon d’Or 2023
After Messi didn’t make it into the top 30 last year, he’s one of the top favorites again this year. The Argentine won the World Cup in December and also had a strong season at Paris Saint-Germain, contributing 41 goals in 41 games and winning the French championship and the Super Cup.
Guardiola unsure who will win the race
The biggest competitor is Erling Haaland, who won the treble with Manchester City. Haaland’s coach Pep Guardiola is not sure whether his protégé will make the race. “Haaland deserves the Ballon d’Or,” Guardiola said, but pointed out that Messi “won the World Cup.”
Sources used
Goal
2023-10-25 19:06:55
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