Robert Lewandowski says Lionel Messi’s 2022 World Cup win with Argentina has made him the leading favourite for the next Ballon d’Or.
Messi led the Albiceleste to glory in Qatar in his final World Cup campaign, scoring twice in the final before his side beat Kylian Mbappe and France in a penalty shoot-out.
Messi was not nominated for the 2022 award, which was won by Karim Benzema, and although the next ceremony will not be the best part of the year, Lewandowski said he believes Messi has become the favorite for the next Ballon d’Or after his World Cup. win.
He said: “There may be another player playing for the same club, but only one World Cup decides who wins it this season and Leo is now certainly in the top position because of what he has achieved. means everything to him. Now he can enjoy it.”
Messi has been linked with a future return to Barcelona. Lewandowski has made a great start to his career in Catalonia and admitted that a Messi return would be an incredible prospect.
“It’s not up to me. But compared to other times, he is now the footballer that any striker would dream of playing alongside him.”
PSG are convinced Messi will stay in France and sign a new contract, though the Argentina forward is not looking to commit for more than 18 months. Major League Soccer side Inter Miami want Messi to join them in Florida, though he is likely to stay in Europe for another two seasons.
