“Honestly, I don’t understand anything anymore.” That’s how forceful Lothar Matthäus, elected Ballon d’Or in 1990, was shocked after receiving with surprise that Lionel Messi has won the precious award for the seventh time in his career to the detriment of Robert Lewandowski, second in the vote and who in his opinion was worthy to be distinguished in this 2021.
“With all due respect to Messi and the other great players named, none deserved it as much as Lewandowski,” said former midfielder Matthäus, 1990 world champion with Germany and now a star commentator for Sky Germany.
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Bayern Munich, firmly hoping to see their top scorer crowned, reacted with fair play while supporting Lewandowski. “For us, you are still the best!” The Bavarian club tweeted.
Kahn congratulates Messi
Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn said “Lewandowski would have deserved both the Ballon d’Or and his top scorer trophy because he has performed at the absolute highest level for years. Congratulations to Lionel Messi!” Kahn refers to the award, instituted for the first time, to the top scorer of 2021 that France Football has awarded to the Polish striker.
“Even without the Ballon d’Or, Lewy made it to the Olympus of soccer greats a long time ago,” continues Kahn. “He will continue to be a candidate (for the Ballon d’Or) in the coming years.”
