Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or last year in a highly controversial manner. Many hoped that it would finally be the season of Robert Lewandowski. This time, however, while the BAyern man is still in top form, Messi has struggled in Paris.
When asked by Argentine channel TyC Sports about the Ballon d’Or, Messi replied: “There’s no doubt, it’s very clear that Benzema has had a spectacular year and has ended it by winning the Champions League.”
“He was crucial from the last-16 onwards in every match and I think there’s no doubt (that Benzema deserves to win the Ballon d’Or).”
The 2022 Finalissima also known as the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions will take place on Wednesday. This time around Copa America champions, Argentina and Euro champions, Italy will lock horns.
Speaking ahead of the Wembley fixture, the Argentine legend spoke about Italy. In particular Messi reacted to the shock exit of Italy from the qualifiers at the hands of North Macedonia.
“What happened with Italy is crazy, having won the Euros and not being at the World Cup, given Italy’s history at the World Cup,” Lionel Messi said.
“If Italy had been at the World Cup they would have been one of the favorites. They were unlucky. No one would have wanted to play them.”
