“I felt sadness, I can't deny it" - When current Barcelona star expressed disappointment after missing out on Ballon d'Or to Lionel Messi
Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski had once admitted to being disappointed after losing the 2021 Ballon d'Or award to Lionel Messi. During the 2020-21 campaign, the Polish superstar was sensational for Bayern Munich, bagging 48 goals in 40 appearances across competitions, winning the Bundesliga and the DFL-Supercup.
On the other hand, Messi, who was with the Blaugrana at the time, played 47 matches across competitions, scoring 38 goals and bagging 14 assists, winning Copa America and the Copa del Rey. After France Football awarded the Argentina icon the prize, Lewandowski told Kanal Sportowy in 2021 (via GOAL):
"I feel sadness, 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."
The 37-year-old Inter Miami superstar also reserved praise for Lewandowski, saying in his acceptance speech:
"I would like to mention Robert Lewandowski, it's been a real honor to compete with you. Everyone knows and we agree that you were the winner last year. I think France Football should award you your 2020 Ballon d’Or - you deserve it and you should have it at home."
Lewandowski enjoyed an incredible 2019-20 campaign with Bayern Munich, where he found the net 55 times across competitions. However, the Ballon d'Or award wasn't given that year due to COVID-19.
Messi has won this individual honor eight times, while the 36-year-old striker has yet to claim his first.
When Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski snubbed Lionel Messi in his dream 5-a-side team
Not many would decide to leave Inter Miami's Lionel Messi out of their dream 5-a-side squad. Interestingly, Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski did exactly that while deciding to exclude the Argentine's rival Cristiano Ronaldo in an interview with Sky Sports in May 2024.
Rather, the former Bayern Munich man went with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and Brazilian icon Ronaldinho as the most attacking players in his team. This may seem rather surprising after Messi's achievements in the sport that put him in the eyes of many as the greatest ever to play the game.
The MLS superstar is most well known for his time at Barcelona, where he made 778 appearances across competitions, bagging 672 goals and 303 assists. He won the LaLiga trophy 10 times and the UEFA Champions League thrice (as per UEFA's website), among other honors, at Camp Nou.