Pep Guardiola's Telling Response When Asked If Karim Benzema Is On Lionel Messi's Level

Pep Guardiola dismissed comparisons between Karim Benzema and Lionel Messi when asked if the Real Madrid superstar was on his level.

In August 2020, a journalist quizzed the Manchester City boss on Benzema following his goal-scoring heroics.

He branded the Frenchman 'fantastic' but refused to put him in the same bracket as the six-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Image: PA

He told Marca: "Benzema is extraordinary, fantastic.

"But since my time at Barcelona there have been 20 players that have come onto the scene and people have asked if we can compare him with [Leo] Messi.

"20 players," he exclaimed.

Benzema has continued his ultra-prolific form into the new season, scoring 14 goals in 15 matches - including 10 La Liga goals.

He's competing with Messi for the coveted Ballon d'Or this year after enjoying a brilliant year.

Image: PA

On his chances of winning the individual prize for the first time in his career, the 33-year-old said: "The Ballon d'Or? We'll see what happens... but I hope so.

"I'm happy to be involved, to feature and score in the games. I'm so happy and I hope this can continue.

"In any case, the World Cup should be one of our targets given the team we have.

"We have to prepare well to reach our goals and the World Cup is one of them, for sure."

Topics: Football, Pep Guardiola, Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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