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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."
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."
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