Lionel Messi has insinuated that Polish striker Robert Lewandowski was robbed of the Ballon d’Or trophy.
The Argentine superstar yesterday clinched a record-breaking seventh Ballon d’Or during a glitzy ceremony in France.
However, Messi admitted that Lewandowski was denied the honours last year.
The PSG forward was the favourite going into the night for the 2021 award but Lewandowski was largely tipped to take away the gong last year after having an absolute blinder of a season.
The Ballon d’Or ended up going to no one in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic affecting the whole sport.
Messi thought it was fitting to mention the Bayern superstar in his speech so that he could have his time in the spotlight.
“I’d like to mention Robert, it’s been a real honour to compete with him,” Messi said on stage. “I think France Football should award you your 2020 Ballon d’Or, you deserved it.”
Lewandowski finished second this year ahead of Italy’s Jorginho.
