Both Messi and Lewandowski are strong contenders for Ballon d’Or this year after a spectacular 2020/21 season.
Robert Lewandowski has opened up on his chances to win the Ballon d’Or award, stating that it would be difficult to beat Barcelona skipper Lionel Messi.
Lewandowski enjoyed one of his prolific seasons with Bayern Munich in the 2021 season, thus announcing himself as a contender for the Ballon d’Or award.
Although he couldn’t help Poland get past the group stage in the Euro 2020, he was their best player after scoring three goals in the three games.
The 32-year-old netted 48 goals for the Bavarians and 9 assists in all competitions last season while winning the Bundesliga title.
However, Lewandowski feels that Messi has strengthened his foothold in the race for the Ballon d’Or after winning the Copa America 2021 title.
Messi ended his international trophy drought by lifting the Copa America title recently with Argentina, and perhaps he ended up as the tournament’s best player, top scorer and top assists provider.
His form at Barcelona was also surreal as he mustered 38 goals and 14 assists in La Liga and other competitions.
However, Lewandowski also added that he would be honoured to see Messi win the Ballon d’Or once against while calling him the best player in the world.
The Bavarian striker said: “After what happened in the Copa América, I think it will be even more difficult to win the Ballon d’Or, but I don’t mind losing it to Leo Messi, the best player of all time.”
Chelsea duo N’Golo Kante and Jorginho and Tottenham striker Harry Kane are also in contention for the Ballon d’Or award.
The odds are in favour of Messi following his individualistic brilliance in the sensational Copa America win and Copa del Rey with Barca.
