• ‘He should be sincere’
Robert Lewandowski was unconvinced by Lionel Messi’s tribute towards him at last week’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, as the Bayern Munich star labelled his rival’s comments ‘empty words’.
The Bayern Munich striker was the standout performer of 2020 and was cruelly denied the Ballon d’Or that year as it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his acceptance speech, Messi acknowledged that Lewandowski deserved the prize for 2020, and called on event organisers, France Football, to retrospectively hand the Pole his gong.
However, the 33-year-old was unmoved by Messi’s comments, labelling them ‘empty words’ before insisting that he does not care for a token reward.
“I’m not that enthusiastic about getting the 2020 award,’ Lewandowski told Kanale Sportowym via Marca.
Reflecting on last week’s near-miss, Lewandowski said: “I felt sadness. 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.”
Culled from dailymail.co.uk
