Robert Lewandowski insists ’empty words’ about Lionel Messi and Ballon d’Or have been misinterpreted as Bayern Munich striker extends congratulations to Paris Saint-Germain star
Robert Lewandowski insists his comments about Lionel Messi and the Ballon d'Or have been misinterpreted.
There was huge outcry last week as Messi scooped his seventh Ballon d'Or, with many believing Lewandowski was a more deserving recipient of the award.
Messi reserved some praise for the Bayern Munich striker in his acceptance speech and even called on the powers that be to award Lewandowski the 2020 prize.
"Robert, you deserve your Ballon d’Or. Last year, everyone was in agreement to say that you were the big winner of this award,” Messi said as he collected the trophy.
“Hopefully France Football will give you the 2020 Ballon d’Or. We all believe you deserved it and I hope you can have it at home.”
It was widely reported that Lewandowski didn't appreciate what Messi said, labelling them 'empty words'.
However, the 33-year-old has since said that his words in an interview with a media outlet in his native Poland have since been lost in translation.
He said, via : “My statement, which I made in an interview with a Polish TV broadcaster, is currently being misinterpreted. I never wanted to say that Lionel Messi's words were not serious or sincere.
“On the contrary. I was very touched and delighted by Lionel Messi's speech at the event in Paris, in which he expressed that, in his opinion, I deserved the Ballon d’Or 2020. I just wanted to express that I would of course be very happy if Messi's words were heard.
“I respect and appreciate Lionel Messi beyond measure and once again congratulate him on winning the Ballon d’Or 2021.”
Lewandowski reinforced the view held by many that he's currently the best player in the world with a brace during Bayern's 3-2 victory over Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund at the weekend.
He has the chance to knock out Messi's former club Barcelona out of the Champions League when Bayern face them at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, live on talkSPORT 2.
Listen to full commentary of Bayern Munich vs Barcelona live on talkSPORT 2, kick-off 8pm.
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