Lionel Messi won the 2021 Ballon d’Or with 613 points. Robert Lewandowski finished second with 580 points. The 33-point margin was thin, but the debate it sparked was anything but. For many, the case for Lewandowski was overwhelming.
In 2021, Lewandowski scored 64 goals in 54 games across all competitions. Some sources put his tally at 69 goals in 59 games. He netted 41 goals in 29 Bundesliga matches, breaking Gerd Muller’s 49-year-old record for most goals in a single season. This earned him his first European Golden Boot. He also scored in a club-record 19 consecutive matches for Bayern Munich.
Lewandowski won the Bundesliga, the Club World Cup, and the German Super Cup in 2021. He was also named Footballer of the Year in Germany. He has won more trophies and scored 23 more goals for club and country.
The 2020 ceremony was cancelled due to COVID-19. Lewandowski was the overwhelming favorite that year. Many argued the 2021 award should have recognized his two-year dominance. He was a clear winner for the 2020 award.
The decision was met with widespread criticism. Michael Owen said Lewandowski was “so unfortunate.” Darren Bent said Lewandowski was “the right man to be crowned.” Bixente Lizarazu said Messi’s reputation played a huge role. Lothar Matthäus said he didn’t understand why Lewandowski didn’t win. Thomas Müller said Lewandowski was a more worthy winner.
Lewandowski Says Mistranslation Caused 2021 Ballon d’Or Tension With Messi
Robert Lewandowski addressed the controversy surrounding his reaction to Lionel Messi’s 2021 Ballon d’Or victory. He explained that the friction was fueled by a misunderstanding of his words.
The controversy dates back to the 2021 ceremony. The 2020 award was canceled due to the pandemic. Lewandowski was the heavy favorite that year. Messi used his 2021 acceptance speech to lobby for Lewandowski to receive the 2020 trophy retrospectively. At the time, Lewandowski was quoted as saying he hoped Messi’s sentiment was “sincere and not just empty words.” Messi later admitted that comment “bothered” him.
Lewandowski said he was misinterpreted or expressed himself poorly. He said the scandal started because his words were translated wrong. He added that his intent was to ensure Messi’s suggestion was acted upon by organizers, not to question Messi’s honesty. He admitted it could have been taken as him saying they were empty words. But he said what he had in mind was that those words should not remain in the air.
Messi’s Message to Lewandowski After Winning the 2021 Ballon d’Or
Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023. Most of his wins have been uncontroversial. However, his 2021 victory was met with backlash. Many fans and pundits felt Robert Lewandowski deserved the award.
Lewandowski had a phenomenal season. He broke the Bundesliga record for most goals in a single season with 41 strikes. He helped Bayern Munich win a ninth successive Bundesliga title. Despite this, he finished second to Messi.
Messi’s season was also impressive. He scored 38 goals and provided 14 assists for Barcelona. He also won the Copa del Rey. He led Argentina to Copa America glory, their first major international trophy in 28 years.
After winning, Messi paid tribute to Lewandowski. He said Lewandowski deserved the 2020 Ballon d’Or, which was cancelled due to COVID-19. He said everyone agreed Lewandowski was the big winner that year. He hoped France Football would give Lewandowski the 2020 award.
Lewandowski did not win the main award but was named Striker of the Year. He congratulated Messi and women’s winner Alexia Putellas on social media. He also thanked his teammates and fans for their support.
FAQs
Q. Who won the 2021 Ballon d’Or?
A. Lionel Messi won the 2021 Ballon d’Or.
Q. Who finished second in the 2021 Ballon d’Or?
A. Robert Lewandowski finished second behind Messi.
Q. What Bundesliga record did Lewandowski break?
A. Robert Lewandowskiscored 41 goals in one Bundesliga season.
Q. Did Lewandowski win the European Golden Boot?
A. Yes. Robert Lewandowskiwon his first European Golden Boot.
Q. What did Messi say about Lewandowski in 2021?
A. Messi said Lewandowski deserved the cancelled 2020 award.
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