He spends the entire year in Miami: Benatia mocks Messi's ranking in the Ballon d'Or

The former Moroccan star wonders: have European football fans seen more of Messi than of Oulisi?

Former Morocco captain Medhi Benatia has given his opinion on the final rankings of the 2026 Ballon d'Or, specifically regarding the duo of Inter Miami star Lionel Messi and Barcelona midfielder Rodri.

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane claimed the Ballon d'Or for the first time in his career, finishing ahead of Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé in second and Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal in third.

The former Juventus and Bayern Munich defender reckons Messi's fifth place and Rodri's fourth are both undeserved.

Benatia said of Messi, according to "Foot Mercato": "You spend the entire year in Miami and then finish the season in fifth place? Did European football fans watch Messi more than Olise?".

He added: "It is true that he was amazing at the World Cup, and the whole team plays for him. All respect to him, he is the same age as us. But how can you tell me that Messi is in fifth place?".

On Rodri, the former Morocco international said: "How can he be in fourth place when he only played four months throughout the season?".