MLS Star Claimed He Was Robbed of a Ballon d’Or – Lionel Messi Was Slammed For Agreeing

When Chicago Fire star Robert Lewandowski slammed Inter Miami ace Lionel Messi over his Ballon d'Or claim.

By Hal Fish · Give Me Sport

Published: Saturday, 24 October 2026 at 9:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Robert Lewandowski felt robbed of the 2020 Ballon d'Or and previously dismissed Lionel Messi's supportive speech as 'empty words.'
Messi urged France Football in 2021 to award Lewandowski the canceled 2020 trophy.
Lewandowski scored 55 goals for Bayern Munich in 2019/20, winning the Champions League, Bundesliga, and DFB-Pokal.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Robert Lewandowski previously expressed frustration over missing out on the Ballon d'Or, even questioning Lionel Messi's public support as 'empty words.' After the 2020 award was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Messi won the 2021 trophy and stated during his acceptance speech that France Football should retrospectively award Lewandowski the 2020 honor.

Lewandowski initially reacted with sadness and skepticism, though he later clarified in 2025 that his remarks stemmed from a misunderstanding. During his 2019/20 treble-winning season with Bayern Munich, Lewandowski scored 55 goals across 47 appearances before eventually moving to MLS side Chicago Fire.

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MLS Star Claimed He Was Robbed of a Ballon d’Or – Lionel Messi Was Slammed For Agreeing

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