“I think France Football should award you your 2020 Ballon d’Or,” said Lionel Messi, the recipient of the 2021 edition, to Robert Lewandowski during his acceptance speech. The Argentinian superstar exclusively urged the need for the Polish international to be acknowledged, citing his remarkable achievements, with an award stolen away from him due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Yet, what crossed Lewandowski’s mind to reject La Pulga’s sympathy?

“Game recognizes game,“ echoed fans worldwide after hearing Messi commend the former Bayern Munich standout during his own special moment on the podium. Even calling it an ‘honor‘ to compete with him, Lewandowski, on the other hand, was left bitter. While sharing the ‘feeling of sadness,‘ the center forward resentfully responded, “I’m not that enthusiastic about getting the 2020 award.” In fact, his rant didn’t end here. 

Despite Messi’s endorsement, Lewandowski wasn’t expecting a call from France Football anytime soon, despite others wondering if he should have reclaimed the top spot. “I would like it [Messi’s statement] to be a sincere and courteous statement from a great player and not just empty words.” However, Lewandowski’s refusal of sympathy prompted him to clarify his statement regarding Messi’s praise, asserting that he never intended to suggest that the former PSG star’s support was insincere.

While expressing his utmost respect for the former Barcelona star, the No. 9 cleared that his statement was rather ‘misinterpreted‘ by many. On the contrary, Robert insisted that he was rather ‘touched deeply‘ by Messi rallying for his 2020 edition win. Yet, unfortunately, it was too late, as the damage was already done. 

Lionel Messi was unhappy with Robert Lewandowski’s comments!

Unfortunately, these words from Robert Lewandowski left Lionel Messi feeling discontent. The World Cup winner once said, “Lewandowski’s statements bothered me because when I won the Ballon d’Or I said the thing I really felt, but for him to speak in this way bothered me.” Messi took things personally, even during the World Cup stage.

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Fans witnessed the Argentine displaying a frosty mood during his match against Poland. Aside from ignoring Lewandowski due to ‘anger‘ towards the striker, Messi even dribbled his way ahead of the former Bayern star, even when the player tried coming close to him. However, the two had sorted out their differences later, claiming it to be a ‘misunderstanding.‘ 

It’s a relief that Lewandowski and Messi have found common ground and resolved any conflicts. Perhaps this also clarifies that he never actually intended to snub the sympathetic tone.