Karim Benzema had scored 27 goals in 81 games for France before being somewhat exiled from the national team for his involvement in the Mathieu Valbuena scandal.Had it not been for an ongoing legal case, it's almost certain that the Real Madrid star would have lined up in Didier Deschamps' starting XI at Euro 2016 in his homeland.Benzema's last appearance for his country came on October 8, 2015, and since then, Olivier Giroud is the man who has predominantly been chosen as Deschamps' first-choice striker.

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A section of France fans who want Benzema restored to the side actually boo the Arsenal forward, and it appears there may be no love lost between the two compatriots.

Benzema pokes fun at Giroud

An Instagram user posted a picture comparing the respective careers of Giroud and Benzema, and as you can see below, it's safe to say the latter rather enjoyed it.

Benzema 'liked' the image, which shows himself winning multiple trophies, including the Champions League, and Giroud getting his haircut at the barbers.

So, Benzema, undoubtedly the most talented French striker of his generation, clearly feels that he should be his country's main striker, and he certainly has a point.

Benzema vs Giroud

Even though Giroud has scored 94 goals in 215 games for the Gunners since his move from Montpellier in 2012, the 30-year-old only has two FA Cups and two Community Shields to show for his efforts.

Compare that with Benzema, who has registered 177 goals in 353 games for Real after arriving from Lyon for over £30 million back in the summer of 2009.

That has translated into one La Liga title, two Champions Leagues, two Copa del Rey triumphs, one Spanish Supercup, two UEFA Super Cups and two FIFA Club World Cup trophies.

The 29-year-old has developed a deadly partnership with Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo in attack, and has scored more Champions League goals (51) than any other Frenchman in history.

Giroud bagged two important goals for France in a 3-1 World Cup qualifying win at Luxembourg over the weekend, but there's no doubt that Benzema has had the more successful career.

Do YOU think Benzema should return to the France starting XI ahead of Giroud? Have YOUR say in the comments box below!