Lionel Messi’s words following his latest Ballon d’Or victory led Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski to reply.
Messi, 34, won the prestigious prize for a record seventh time at the end of last month after collecting 613 points.
With 580 points, Lewandowski came in second, while Chelsea midfielder Jorginho came in third with 460.
Last season, the Polish striker scored 48 goals and added nine assists in just 40 games for Bayern Munich, helping them win the Bundesliga, the DFL-Supercup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA World Club Cup, but it wasn’t enough.
And 33-year-old has recently revealed his sadness at not picking up the accolade, while also reacting to Messi’s statement that the Bayern star deserves to be awarded the 2020 trophy.
“I felt sadness,” Lewandowski told Polish outlet Kanale Sportowym. “I can’t deny it.
“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.”
“I would like it [Messi’s 2020 Ballon d’Or statement] to be a sincere and courteous statement from a great player and not just an empty words.”