Real Madrid superstar Karim Benzema has revealed his, perhaps surprising, thoughts on the recent criticism aimed at Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi.
The attacking duo used to go head to head in El Clasicos and LaLiga title races before Messi left FC Barcelona and moved to France in the previous transfer window.
Since the Argentine made the switch, however, he has been on the receiving end of a wave of criticism from the likes of Nicolas Anelka and Jerome Rothen, who both played for PSG.
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However, Benzema has now leapt to the 34-year-old's defence, insisting that his critics are short-sighted.
"There's no way he won't do well," the France striker told Telefoot, per Marca.
"This is just a time where he's adapting, because he's not scoring many goals.
"Look at what he does on the pitch, though.
"Anyway, you can't criticise a player like that.
"Anyone that criticises Messi doesn't really understand football."
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The Los Blancos forward was also asked about missing out on the 2021 Ballon d'Or title, for which he came fourth in the final ranking.
"Like I've said since I was a child: being fourth, third, second or 30th are all the same," the 33-year-old said.
"What matters is winning. Later, they told me that I hadn't won enough trophies, but I couldn't do any more.
"The Ballon d'Or, for me, is for someone who scores, assists, is there for the difficult moments.
"It's a lot of things, not just winning trophies, but I'm not the one who gives out the trophy."
Benzema was unfortunately also the victim of a home burgalry on Sunday evening, while he was on the pitch for Real against Elche. It is not yet clear what was stolen from his property or who the thieves are.
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