Lionel Messi: 'No doubt' Real Madrid's Karim Benzema deserves Ballon d'Or

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has been a nominee for the Ballon d'Or nine times, but has never won the award recognizing the best male soccer player of the year. Seven-time winner Lionel Messi says that should change this October.

"There are no doubts; it's very clear that Benzema had a spectacular year and ended up victorious in the Champions League," Messi said Monday, via ESPN. "He was fundamental in all the matches from the round of 16 onwards. I think there is no doubt this year."

Benzema, 34, finished fourth in voting for the award last year and has never finished top three, but he's the overwhelming favorite after Real Madrid's 1-0 win against Liverpool in the Champions League final. 

While his goal in the final was controversially disallowed for offsides, Benzema scored three goals against Messi's Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16, four goals against Chelsea in the quarterfinals and three against Manchester City in the semifinals.

"I don't think I can do much more with my club," Benzema told Canal Plus of his chances at winning the Ballon d'Or, via Yahoo Sports. "We will see what happens, but in any case I am proud of what I have done."

Real Madrid won La Liga this season with Benzema leading all scorers with 27 goals, 10 more than any other player.