Who does Lionel Messi think should win the Ballon d’Or?

The reigning Ballon d’Or champion won’t be in contention for this year’s award after failing to make the 30-man shortlist.

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has Lionel Messi’s vote of confidence to win the 2022 Ballon d’Or.

Messi, who has won the award seven times, did not make the 30-man list of nominees for the first time since 2005. It brought an end to an incredible run of 15 consecutive nominations.

The Argentina international’s Paris Saint-Germain teammate Neymar also failed to make the final cut in a list that includes the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski, and Erling Haaland.

In an interview with TyC Sports in May, however, Messi had ruled out his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or as he felt there was already a clear favorite.

“There’s no doubt, it is very clear that Benzema had a spectacular year,” he told the Argentine TV channel.

“I think there is no doubt this year.”

Nominated for the 2022 Ballon d’Or … ✨🌕

🇫🇷 @Benzema @realmadrid #ballondor pic.twitter.com/p6TxQQkFqU

— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) August 12, 2022

How did Benzema do in 2021/22?

Unlike in previous years, France Football will decide the Ballon d’Or winner based on his performances for the 2021/22 season and not the calendar year. This means World Cup displays don’t count.

In this sense, Benzema is a clear contender. The 34-year-old supplied 44 goals and 15 assists in 46 matches across all competitions for Real Madrid last season. He finished as the Champions League and La Liga top scorers.

The France international netted some vital match-winners and notably bagged hat-tricks against Messi’s PSG and Chelsea on route to winning a fifth Champions League title with Real Madrid.

Benzema also helped Real Madrid beat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 in the UEFA Super Cup final last week.