play
Is Carlo Ancelotti the greatest manager of all time? (1:32)

Carlo Ancelotti is the first manager to win the European Championship four times. (1:32)

Lionel Messi said on Monday that Real Madrid and France forward Benzema deserved to win the Ballon d'Or this year after helping to guide his team to the title.

Benzema had the best season of his 13-year career at Real, scoring 44 goals with 15 assists as they won a LaLiga-Champions League double.

- Marcotti: Madrid strengthen UCL legacy with win vs. Liverpool

- Ogden: Courtois inspires Madrid to glory by denying Liverpool

- Olley: Liverpool's UCL final loss will test mental toughness

In the knockout stages, he scored hat tricks against Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea to help Real progress.

Messi said on Argentine television that there were no doubts that Benzema had a great year and ended up winning the trophy.

He was the most important player in all the matches from the round of 16 onwards. I think there is no doubt this year.

The nominees for the Ballon d'Or will be revealed on August 12.

The trophy will be awarded based on a regular season from August to July rather than a calendar year.

The 14th European Cup triumph for Real Madrid was twice as many as the next most successful team, AC Milan.

The French club was eliminated from the last 16 of the European club competition for the first time after Benzema scored a hat trick in the second leg.

Everyone in the dressing room was killed by the Real Madrid game. There was a lot of hope. Messi said it makes him want to win again.

The best team doesn't always win the league. Real Madrid were not the best in this competition and yet they beat everyone.