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Lewandowski hits out at Messi’s ‘empty’ Ballon d’Or words

Robert Lewandowski
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The Bayern Munich striker wasn’t particularly moved with what the 2021 Ballon d’Or winner had to say in last month’s ceremony.

Robert Lewandowski took aim at Lionel Messi for a lack of sincerity in his recent Ballon d’Or comments.

The Paris Saint-Germain star pipped Lewandowski to the Ballon d’Or last month by a mere 33 points in the voting polls, winning the prestigious award for the seventh time in his career.

However, during his victory speech, Messi admitted that Lewandowski should have won the accolade in 2020. He even urged France Football to award it to the Pole. The French outlet, which canceled the event last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has taken no action so far.

“I’m not that enthusiastic about getting the 2020 award,” Lewandowski told Polish outlet Kanale Sportowym.

“I would like it [Messi’s statement] to be a sincere and courteous statement from a great player and not just an empty words.”

Lewandowski’s sadness at missing the 2021 award

The 33-year-old also admitted he felt ‘sadness’ after finishing runner-up to Messi in the 2021 Ballon d’Or race.

“I felt sadness,” Lewandowski said of missing out on this year’s prize. “I can’t deny it.

“I can’t say I was happy, on the contrary. I have a feeling of sadness. To be so close, to compete with Messi, of course I respect how he plays and what he has achieved. The mere fact that I was able to compete with him shows me the level that I was able to reach.”

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