Lewandowski reacts to Messi snub

ZURICH – Munich - Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski has reacted to being snubbed by Lionel Messi in The Best FIFAAward voting by claiming; “I didn’t do anything wrong that he can be mad at me”.

Lewandowski picked up the Best FIFA Men’s Player of the Year for the second successive year on Monday night, with Paris Saint-Germain talisman Messi having to settle for second and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah completing the top three.

The Poland international triumphed despite not receiving a vote from Messi, who won last year’s Ballon d’Or ahead of the striker before suggesting that Lewandowski should have won the 2020 Golden Ball in his acceptance speech.

Lewandowski has admitted he was surprised not to make Messi’s final three after those words of praise, and hopes the Argentine’s decision was not fuelled by any personal issue.

When asked to address the contrast between Messi’s comments at the Ballon d’Or ceremony and his voting choices for The Best prize, Lewandowski told a press conference: “Those were very nice words from him. Now regarding his choice: the question has to be asked of him. I didn’t do anything wrong that he can be mad at me - except sporting things.

“Privately, I hope everything was okay. That was his choice, I have to respect that. I don’t have to say anything negative or be mad.”

Messi was included in Lewandowski’s top three, but only as a runner-up as he opted for Chelsea midfielder Jorginho as his preferred winner.

The Bayern forward felt that the Italian was more deserving of the accolade after a stellar 12 months that saw him win Champions League and European Championship honours, with Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo coming in third on his ballot.

Lewandowski went on to suggest that The Best award holds greater weight than the Ballon d’Or due to the fact the result is decided by only votes from players and coaches.

Alexia Putellas, meanwhile, was recognised as The Best FIFA Women’s Player after previously winning the Ballon d’Or, while Edouard Mendy, Thomas Tuchel and Erik Lamela were among the others recognised.

(Pic: Dailymail.co.uk) With the game finely poised at 1-1 in stoppage time, AC Milan pushed for victory and came within inches of taking the lead when Ante Rebic slipped the ball through to Junior Messias inside the box. But as Messias curled the ball into the net, referee Marco Serra blew his whistle and called for play to be brought back following a foul on Rebic (circled) before the ball was played to Messias. Milan’s players furiously swarmed the match official, who immediately put his hands up to apologise for his huge blunder, leaving the score to stay at 1-1, before Spezia scored a 96th-minute winner.