Despite competition from Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski, Lionel Messi won the 2021 Ballon d’Or for the seventh time, a decision that was met with much controversy. Back then, the Portuguese superstar was not afraid to make his opinion about the matter public.
On Thursday, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi played on the same pitch together for perhaps the last time as Paris Saint-Germain defeated the Riyadh All-Star team in Saudi Arabia. The initial date for this collision was 2020, but it was postponed due to Covid-19 and other circumstances. Ronaldo scored twice to level the game at 2-2 after Messi got on the move.
With both players being taken off the pitch after around 60 minutes, this could be the last time they would compete against each other. Despite PSG winning 5-4, the clash was very tense from start to finish and both teams were seen hugging each other after the final whistle.
Recently, the Portuguese legend emphasized his admiration for Messi, saying that he hopes to meet the 35-year-old after their playing careers are over: “Why not? I will definitely do it. I will do it. Debate “How Maradona and Pele did it. No problem. I am a good person. I know. I have a good heart.”
Who should have won the 2021 Ballon d’Or as per Cristiano Ronaldo?
Despite their mutual respect for one another, it is well-documented that the Portuguese did not respond warmly to Messi’s 2021 capture of his seventh Ballon d’Or. Previously, Cristiano Ronaldo had endorsed accusations from a fan on social media, claiming the Argentina captain stole the precious award from Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski in 2021 in a ‘shameful’ situation for everybody concerned, as it was described.
In spite of being a finalist, the 37-year-old received 435 fewer votes than his Paris Saint-Germain adversary, who eventually won the award against the strong favorite, Lewandowski. A fan account named “Cristiano Ronaldo – The Legendary” posted on Instagram, and the superstar himself responded, expressing his displeasure with the Argentine forward’s victory.
The post outlined Ronaldo’s 2021 accomplishments before arguing that Messi’s award was completely undeserved. The current Al-Nassr ace commented, “Facts,” with a thumbs-up emoji, indicating that he agreed with the arguments stated in the post and was not hesitant to voice his agreement publicly.
