Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi has, on Monday, provided his take on the race for the highly sought after 2022 Ballon d’Or.
The Argentine, of course, is almost overqualified when it comes to discussing world football’s most coveted individual prize, having secured the award for himself on a record-setting seven occasions.
This time round, though, Messi is not even in the conversation, on the back of something of an underwhelming debut campaign in France with PSG.
In turn, the 34-year-old, during an interview with Argentine outlet TyC Sports, was today asked for his take on the player most deserving of taking home the ‘Golden Ball’ later this year.
And Messi was in no two minds when it comes to his choice, labelling Real Madrid hitman Karim Benzema, fresh off the back of yet another Champions League triumph, the runaway frontrunner for the accolade:
“I think there are no doubts Benzema should win Ballon d’Or. “It is very clear that Benzema had a spectacular year and ended up elevating himself with the Champions League, being essential from the last 16 onwards in all the games. I think there are no doubts this year.”
MADRID, SPAIN – MAY 12: Karim Benzema celebrates during the La Liga Santander match between Real Madrid and Levante at the Santiago Bernabeu on May 12, 2022 in Madrid Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
‘Will be better’
Turning attentions towards his own situation, Messi also went on to provide an insight into his future beyond the summer.
Owing to the disappointing nature of his exploits in Paris this past season, speculation stemming from the media had pointed towards the possibility of Messi seeking out a swift PSG departure over the months ahead.
The veteran attacker himself, though, shut down such chatter once and for all this evening, in confirming that he expects to enjoy a ‘way better’ campaign at the Parc des Princes in 2022/23.
Leo Messi tells @TyCSports: “Next season will be way better for me with Paris Saint-Germain, I’m sure. It was not easy after that crazy summer”. 🇦🇷 #PSG
“It was really difficult to understand what happened, I wasn’t expecting to leave Barcelona – it was a shock”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 30, 2022
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