Lewandoski won the striker of the year at the 2021 Ballon d’Or Award, Messi however, felt he would have won the main price last year
By Kehinde Okeowo
Argentina and former Barcelona forward, Lionel Messi has heaped praises on Polish Striker, Robert Lewandowski, whom he beat to win the 2021 edition of Ballon d’Or.
The PSG striker is winning the award for the 7th time and he won the last edition held in 2019. Covid-19 outbreak stopped the hosting of the 2020 edition.
The 34-year-old striker also won this year’s award ahead of Real Madrids’ Karim Benzema, Chelseas’ N’Golo Kante, and Liverpools’ Jorginho.
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Bayern Munich and Poland striker Lewandowski won the striker of the year award at the event.
He has scored 73 goals in 60 games for Bayern Munich since the start of last season.
Lionel Messi eulogized Lewandowski, whom he said would have won the 2020 edition of Ballon d’or, had it been held.
The 33-year-old Polish striker won FIFA’s and UEFA’s men’s player of the year awards in 2020.
Messi also said he felt honored to be competing alongside the Bayern Player, adding that the 2020 award should have been given to him at home.
“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 #BallondOr – you deserve it and you should have it at home.” Messi said.
The Ballon d’Or award was first given out in 1956, is it presented by the French weekly magazine and France Football, to be the best footballer of the year.
However, they were unable to host the award last year due to Covid-19 concerns, Lewandowski was widely believed to have been the favorite that year.
