Karim Benzema Responds To Lionel Messi's Ballon d'Or Comments

Real Madrid star Karim Benzema has responded to Lionel Messi picking him for this year's Ballon d'Or award.

The Frenchman has been tipped as the favourite for the prestigous award after leading Los Blancos to a UEFA CHampions League and LaLiga title this past season.

Benzema finished as top scorer in both the Champions League and LaLiga, while he ended the campaign with 44 goals and 15 assists across all competitions.

Messi felt his former Los Blancos rival should win the award, telling Tyc Sports, "I think there are no doubts, it's very clear that Benzema has had a spectacular year and he ended up crowning it with the Champions League, being fundamental in all the matches from the Round of 16 onwards. I don't think there are any doubts this year."

The France international was quick to responded to the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's remarks after the Nations League loss to Denmark.

"I heard the words from Messi and they made me very happy, very content that they come from a player like him. They give me motivation to do more things," Benzema said, as per Mundo Deportivo.

9. Gareth Bale (Real Madrid) – $26 million

10. Eden Hazard (Real Madrid) – $26 million

8. Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich) – $27 million

7. Paul Pogba (Manchester United) – $27 million

6. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) – $28 million

5. Andres Iniesta (Vissel Kobe) – $31 million

4. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) – $36 million

3. Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain) – $36.5 million

2. Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain) – $41 million

1. Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain) – $62 million

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