"Whoever criticises Messi doesn't understand anything about football"

The Parc des Princes will host the first leg of the Champions League last 16 tie between PSG and Real Madrid. Barring any last minute issues, Benzema will play in the game. He talked about that and much more in an interview with 'Telefoot'. 

The striker has been at Real Madrid for 13 seasons. That has given him time to break records and become a key part of the club's history. Benzema feels like Real Madrid is his home.

"Madrid is everything for me. I've become a man here and I feel like I'm at home. The lifestyle is perfect. When you join a club like Real Madrid, you don't think you're going to be here 15 or 20 years because you think you'd like to win titles as soon as possible," he commented.

One of the things which motivates the Frenchman the most is the unconditional support of the fans: "See the fans chanting my name before the Ballon d'Or, and singing Happy Birthday to me are things which make me emotional and make me want to keep on showing things."

That said, when he puts the armband on, he becomes serious as he wants to "set an example". He thinks that wearing is "something which is exceptional."

With regards to the Ballon d'Or and the voting, Benzema hit out at 'L'Equipe': "The Ballon d'Or for me is someone who scores, assists, is present in the difficult moments. It's a lot of things, not just winning trophies, but I'm not the one who gives the trophy."

PSG, Mbappe and Leo Messi

When talking about the last 16, Benzema defended Leo Messi when they asked him about his lack of adaptation and lack of goals at PSG.

"Messi just needs time to adapt. Look at what he does on the pitch. In any case, you can't criticise a player like that. Whoever criticises doesn't know anything about football in reality," Benzema continued.

Benzema will also be involved in a head to head with compatriot Mbappe. Benzema had already admitted that he would've liked to face a different team, although he said that Real Madrid are "prepared."

"It's going to be special facing off against Mbappe. We'll see what happens because he wants to win and I do too. We would've liked to face a different team, but we're prepared," he concluded.