Bayern Munich striker, Robert Lewandowski has said he was unsatisfied that he lost the 2021 Ballon d’Or to Paris Saint Germain forward Lionel Messi.
Messi and Lewandowski went head to head for the 2021 Ballon d’Or. Before the award was handed over to the 34-year-old Argentine football icon in November, there were speculations that the organizer of the award, France Football, has already concluded to name Messi the winner of the award for the record 7th time.
After he was officially named the winner of the award, many football enthusiasts criticized the organizer of the prestigious football award, insisting that Lewandowski deserved the award more than Messi.
However, based on their performance in the 2020-2021 season which was used to nominate them for the award, Messi had an edge over Lewandowski for helping Argentina to win the 2021 Copa America.
On an individual level, Robert Lewandowski scored 48 goals and provided 13 assists in 40 games in all competitions. He helped Bayern Munich to win DFL-Supercup and Bundesliga.
As for Lionel Messi, the Argentine football star scored 38 goals and provided 18 assists in 48 games in all competitions. He helped FC Barcelona to win the 2021 Copa del Rey.
The organizer of the Ballon d’Or rated the performance of Messi above that of the 33-year-old Polish striker and the Argentine star got more votes than all the nominees including his career rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.
In an interview with Pole TV show Moc Futbolu of Kanale Sportowym, Robert Lewandowski said he felt sad that he didn’t win the Ballon d’Or.
He said: “I felt sad, I have nothing to hide. I can’t say I’m satisfied because it’s quite the opposite. I feel unsatisfied… Being so close, competing with Lionel Messi… Of course, I respect how he plays and everything he has achieved.
“The fact that I could compete with him shows me the level I’ve been able to play at. But I felt sad and it was good that we didn’t have a midweek game after the gala.”
Robert Lewandowski is something else! 👽
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 6, 2021
The forward has 11 goals in just seven Champions League games in 2021… 😱🔥#UCL pic.twitter.com/qysTgRbAFA
Robert Lewandowski asks Lionel Messi to be sincere
When Lionel Messi was presented the 2021 Ballon d’Or, the Argentine football icon said Robert Lewandowski deserved to win the 2020 Ballon d’Or which was canceled due to the impact coronavirus pandemic.
“You were the winner last year and France Football should give you the award. You deserve it, you should have it at home too,” Messi said.
After the statement, the organizer of the award said they might consider giving the 2020 edition of the award to Lewandowski. But the Polish star said he is not looking forward to that. He went on to urge Messi to be sincere with his assertion.
“I would like his statement to be honest, not just empty words,” Lewandowski said.
"You don't have to ask me – it's your fault!" 😂
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 30, 2021
Jurgen Klopp admits he was 'surprised' that Mo Salah didn't finish higher in the #BallonDor standings and couldn't quite believe that the top prize didn't go to Robert Lewandowski. pic.twitter.com/GL3nNwlG5W
