‘I can’t say I was happy, on the contrary, I have a feeling of sadness.’
Robert Lewandowski has revealed that he ‘wasn’t happy’ to see Lionel Messi win the Ballon d’Or after the striker came second in the rankings.
The Bayern Munich man finished behind the Paris Saint-Germain forward, who claimed his seventh Ballon d’Or, but many believed that Lewandowski should have won the prestigious award.
The Poland international was the heavy favourite to win the award in 2020 too, but Football France decided to cancel the ceremony due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with many believing that the 33-year-old was unfortunate to miss out.
And Lewandowski has since admitted that it was tough to watch Messi receive the award.
“I felt sadness. I can’t deny it,” he told Kanal Sportowy.
“I can’t say I was happy, on the contrary. I have a feeling of sadness.
“To be so close, to compete with Messi, of course I respect how he plays and what he has achieved. The mere fact that I was able to compete with him shows me the level that I was able to reach.”
Upon collecting his award, Messi payed tribute to Lewandowski, claiming that Football France should award him with some prize as recognition for his achievements in 2020.
The Argentine said: “I would like to mention Robert Lewandowski, it’s been a real honour to compete with you.
“Everyone knows and we agree that you were the winner last year.
“I think France Football should award you your 2020 Ballon d’Or – you deserve it and you should have it at home.”
But the Bayern forward hopes that the 34-year-old’s comments aren’t just ’empty words’ and claims that he isn’t keen about receiving a belated prize.
He said: “I’m not that enthusiastic about getting the 2020 award.
“I would like it [Messi’s statement] to be a sincere and courteous statement from a great player and not just empty words.”
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