“I can invite them to eat at mine” - When Robert Lewandowski offered opinion on comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
Polish striker Robert Lewandowski once addressed his comparisons with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo after recording incredible numbers in the 2019-20 treble-winning season with Bayern Munich. Lewandowski was widely considered the clear winner of the Ballon d'Or that season before it was canceled owing to COVID-19 regulations.
In the 2019-20 season, Lewandowski proved significant to Bayern Munich winning the treble under Hansi Flick's guidance. In 47 appearances across competitions, the Pole recorded 55 goals and 10 assists, marking the best single-season numbers in his career. He was named the FIFA Men's Best Player that season.
In an interview with France Football in December 2020, Robert Lewandowski weighed in on being compared to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who are considered two of the best footballers of all time. He said (via Mirror):
“Messi and Ronaldo have been sitting at the same table, at the top, for a very long time, and that's what makes them incomparable. So to answer your question, I can't imagine myself next to them in this point of view."
However, Lewandowski believed his numbers in the 2019-20 season and earlier years proved his consistency.
“That said, if you take the numbers for this year and even previous ones, I think I'm pretty good in terms of performance and goals scored. Failing to be at the same table as Messi and Ronaldo, I think I can invite them to eat at mine," he added.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated football for the last two decades, having won a combined 13 Ballons d'Or. While Messi boasts eight awards, the highest number of Ballons d'Or, Ronaldo occupies the second place with five to his name.
When Robert Lewandowski shared his take on the Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debate
In a 2021 interview with Sport Bild, Robert Lewandowski was posed the age-old question of choosing between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The Polish striker avoided picking one over the other, saying:
"I respect Cristiano Ronaldo’s hard work. For Messi, everything looks easy. I think Cristiano had to work harder for his success."
In 2021, Robert Lewandowski lost the Ballon d'Or to Lionel Messi, who beat him by 33 votes after winning the Copa America with Argentina. However, Messi mentioned Lewandowski in his winning speech, urging France Football to award him the 2020 Ballon d'Or.
"I’d like to mention Robert, it’s been a real honour to compete with him. I think France Football should award you your 2020 Ballon d’Or, you deserved it," Messi said (via The Independent).
Lewandowski later thanked Messi for his words. The 36-year-old striker has been playing for the Argentine's former club Barcelona since his transfer from Bayern Munich in 2022.