Robbed in Paris

Ballon d’Or nominee Lewandowski misses out as Messi bags No. 7

LIONEL MESSI has won an unprecedented seventh Ballon d’Or as his incredible year is rewarded with the prestigious gong. The Paris Saint Germain forward fended off competition from several other worthy winners following 12 months in which his off-field exploits have been just as remarkable as his on-field contributions.

Messi’s dramatic Barcelona exit was the story of the summer. The Catalan club’s rising debt and La Liga’s registration rules meant that the legendary forward could not renew his contract.

He departed for PSG and has endured a mixed time in the French capital. The 34-year-old has scored just one goal in Ligue 1 despite making seven appearances.

That has prompted suggestions that he should not have been awarded the Ballon d’Or and that another candidate would have been more deserving. The strongest argument from a player who missed out might be Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski.

Several records have been broken by the Polish marksman, including the long-standing most goals scored in a Bundesliga season.

Many were furious, particularly as Lewandowski was favourite to win the 2020 title before the ceremony was cancelled as a result of the pandemic.

Lewandowski, who did win striker of the year, scored 38 goals in 30 league games in 2021 and won the Bundesliga.

German newspaper Bild said the Pole was “cheated” adding: “This can not be true. It is a scandalous choice.”

Former German international and Ballon d’Or winner Lothar Matthaus also couldn’t believe the result.

“With all due respect to Lionel Messi and all the other great nominated players nobody deserves it like Lewandowski,” Matthaus said.

“France Football didn’t award the prize last year, and if only because of all the titles that Robert has won with Bayern 2020, he is unrivalled not only in the last two years.

“But even if you only take 2021 into account, he was better than the rest. He broke Gerd Muller’s record of the century, is again top of the top scorers list in every competition, and has surpassed everyone nationally and internationally this year as well.”

The Polish international scored 48 goals in the 20/21 Bundesliga season helping Bayern to their seventh straight title and breaking Muller’s record of 41.

And though Messi was gracious to receive the award once again, he did point out that Lewandowski deserves credit for the award he would have won last year.

“I’d like to mention Robert, it’s been a real honour to compete with him. I think France Football should award you your 2020 Ballon d’Or, you deserved it.” – The Independent/Express Newspapers