SEVEN-TIME Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi says there's "no doubt" Karim Benzema will be the rightful winner of the award this year.
The Frenchman, 34, enjoyed a standout campaign with Real Madrid, helping the Spanish giants reclaim the LaLiga title as well as win the Champions League.
Benzema netted 44 times and provided 15 assists across all competitions last term, with 15 of those goals coming in the Champions League.
The five-time Champions League winner scored ten goals from the Round of 16 up to the final vs Liverpool – including hat-tricks against Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
And PSG ace Messi, who could only watch his side capitulate at the Bernabeu in the competition last season, has backed Benzema to win the Ballon d'Or – an award he himself has won a record seven times.
Messi, who was snubbed from the 30-man shortlist following a poor campaign, says there's "no doubt" the Real ace will scoop up the prestigious award this year.
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Speaking to TyC Sports, he said: "I think this year there is no doubt. It's clear that Benzema has had a spectacular year.
"He crowned this year with the Champions League, in which he was decisive in every game from the round of 16.
"I don't think there is any doubt this year."
A strong second season in Paris could be on the cards for Messi.
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The legendary Argentine, 35, has three goals and one assist in three games.
One of his goals include a spectacular overhead kick against Clermont Foot.
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