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Lionel Messi Says Robert Lewandowski Was Robbed Of Ballon d'Or Trophy

Lionel Messi Says Robert Lewandowski Was Robbed Of Ballon d'Or Trophy

The 2021 winner of the coveted award was incredibly humble during his acceptance speech.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Lionel Messi has gracefully accepted his record-breaking seventh Ballon d'Or trophy during a glitzy ceremony in France.

The Argentinian footballer was incredibly happy to receive the honour, however he used his acceptance speech to say how the runner up was robbed last year.

Messi was the favourite going into the night for the 2021 award, however Robert 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.

Henri Szwarc/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

Messi thought it was fitting to mention Lewandowski 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."

Thankfully, the Polish international didn't walk away from this year's event empty handed and was given France Football's inaugural Striker of the Year.

He also took to Twitter to congratulate everyone on their success in the 2020/21 season.

"Congratulations Leo Messi and @alexiaputellas winners of the #BallonDor2021, congratulations also to all nominated players!" he said.

"I won Striker of the Year Award and no Player can win an individual award without strongest team and loyal fans behind him. Thank you for your support."

Lewandowski came in second on the rankings after Messi beat him by 33 points in the voting for the Golden Ball.

He was followed by Jorginho in third, Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah, Kevin De Bruyne, Kylian Mbappe and Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Featured Image Credit: Henri Szwarc/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

Topics: SPORT, Entertainment, Lionel Messi