If we look at the candidates for the Ballon D'or there are a few names that catch my eye, I have no doubts about
the quality of Haaland, De Bruyne and also Lewandowski. But I think there is one more player who deserves the Ballon D'or, the player is
Karim Benzema, unfortunately in the last few games he could not strengthen Real Madrid because he was still injured. But if Benzema recovers
from injury and can put in a great performance like the previous season, I believe Benzema is the strongest candidate to win the Ballon D'or,
especially since Real Madrid's performances this season have been very consistent.
You are right. Benzema deserves to be the candidate for Ballon D'or, too. His role is always very crucial for Real Madrid, he is a captain and a machine goal as well. I am sure he will return to play again as soon as possible. Benzema injury isn't very serious and it recovers well, at the end of this month is the estimated time for him to play again.
The era for messi is gone after he was leaving from barcelona.
You seem to blame him for leaving Barcelona, dude.
IMHO, the era of Messi was over once Barcelona no longer has 2 main midfielders (Xavi, Iniesta).
Only these two players can support Messi to play at his best level.