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Karim Benzema appreciates Lionel Messi's Ballon d'Or praise and says it gives him motivation to achieve more success.
The Real Madrid superstar is the front-runner to win the prestigious 2022 Ballon d'Or award following his remarkable goal-scoring exploits this season.
He's scored an incredible 44 goals in 46 games in all competitions, guiding his side to La Liga and Champions League glory.
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Benzema is odds on to win the Ballon d'Or, with Messi backing the Frenchman - claiming there are 'no doubts' this year in glowing praise.
"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 essential from the last 16 onwards in all the games," the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner said.
"I think there are no doubts this year."
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Benzema caught wind of Messi's comments, saying they made him 'very happy' and gives him motivation.
Speaking whilst on international duty with France, he said: "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."
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Should he get his hands on the coveted individual prize, then it'd be the first of his legendary career.
Benzema continued his fine form with a goal in France's 2-1 defeat to Denmark on Friday.
Les Bleus resume their Nations League campaign on Monday when they travel to Croatia.
They also take on Austria before hosting Croatia.
Topics: Karim Benzema, Football, Lionel Messi
Nasir Jabbar