Robert Lewandowski was is in 2nd place in the 2021 Ballon d’Or race, with Lionel Messi eventually winning the prize, but Pole has revealed his sadness at not coming out on top while also picking up on the PSG forward’s words.
In the 2020/21 season, Lewandowski scored an impressive 48 goals and provided nine assists in 40 games in all competitions, with Bayern winning the Bundesliga, DFL-Supercup, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. During this campaign, he has scored 16 Bundesliga goals in 14 games.
“I felt sad,” Lewandowski told Polish company Kanale Sportowym. “I will not deny it.
“I can’t say I was happy, instead. I feel sad. To be so close, to compete with Messi, I just respect the way he plays and what he achieves. Just the fact that I was. Being able to compete with him shows me the level I can achieve.”
The Bayern Munich striker has also targeted Messi after the PSG striker urged France Football to offer Lewandowski the 2020 Ballon d’Or.
“I’m not excited about winning the 2020 prize,” Lewandowski said.
“I would like [Messi’s Ballon d’Or 2020 statement] to be an honest and respectful statement from a great player and not just empty words.”
