PSG forward Lionel Messi has picked Real Madrid's Karim Benzema as the favourite to win the 2022 Ballon d'Or. "I don't think there is a single doubt...it's clear Karim Benzema had an unbelievable year," said Messi. Messi, the record seven-time winner of the award, was left out of the 30-player shortlist for this year.