Lionel Messi has said he believes Robert Lewandowski should retrospectively win the 2020 Ballon d’Or award. After he won the 2021 Golden Ball (football news), Messi asks France Football to give Lewandowski his 2020 Ballon d’Or.
France Football crowned Messi as the 2021 Ballon d’Or winner, aka the world’s great player, at a ceremony in Paris.
Thus, the Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina superstar is claiming the trophy for the seventh time in his career.
Messi Asks France Football to Give Lewandowski His 2020 Ballon d’Or
And Lionel Messi, in his acceptance speech for the 2021 honour on Monday, praised Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski instead.
He thus gave a special mention to the Poland international while receiving this honour for a record-breaking seventh time.
“I would like to mention Robert Lewandowski, it’s been a real honour to compete with you,” Messi said.
“Everyone knows and we agree that you were the winner last year,” Messi continued, after collecting the trophy for 2021.
“I think France Football should award you your 2020 Ballon d’Or – you deserve it and you should have it at home.”
The Paris Saint-Germain star admits he had tough competition in the form of Lewandowski this year.
Messi added: “I think Robert Lewandowski had a great year. Year after year, he improves and shows the excellent striker he is, as well as his ability to score goals.
“This year he was awarded as the top scorer. Of course he can certainly aspire to that level next year, thanks to his way of being on the pitch. And in addition, he plays for a big club.”
