Messi and the Ballon d'Or: "There's no doubt, Benzema had a spectacular year"

BARCELONA, 30 May. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Paris Saint-Germain player Leo Messi is clear that the next Ballon d'Or, a distinction that the Argentine has won seven times to lead his record, will be Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema after a "spectacular year" in which he was key in the LaLiga Santander and Champions League titles.

"I think there are no doubts, it is very clear that Benzema had a spectacular year and ended up consecrating himself with the Champions League, being fundamental from the round of 16 onwards in all the games. I think there are no doubts this year," he assured in statements to TyC Sports , from the Argentine concentration, collected by Europa Press.

In addition, Messi acknowledged that PSG's elimination at the hands of Real Madrid in the 'Champions' "killed" them. "To me, to the entire dressing room and to all of Paris because we had a barbaric illusion in that competition. Because of how the game went, the result was a blow", commented the Argentine.

"I know what Real Madrid is, I've lived it for many years, all my life, up close. I knew that could happen because they score a goal out of nowhere and automatically change the game. I also knew that on that pitch The first 15 or 20 minutes come at you, if you pass that, the game changes", explained the striker, who suffered the Whites' comeback firsthand.

Looking to the future, he added that he wants to raise a 'Champions' again. "Not always the best wins the 'Champions'. This competition are situations and specific moments in which the slightest mistake leaves you out and the one who is more prepared for those situations ends up winning it or reaching the final. Without taking away merit, much less because Madrid is the champion and is always there", he valued.