Lionel
Messi wants France Football to retrospectively award the cancelled 2020 Ballon
d’Or to Robert Lewandowski, saying the Bayern Munich striker deserved to win
the coveted prize and that it was a “real honour to compete” with him.

Messi won a
record-extending seventh Ballon d’Or of his career in a ceremony in Paris on Monday.

“I would
like to mention Robert Lewandowski, it’s been a real honour to compete with you,”
Messi said in his acceptance speech. “Everyone knows and we agree that you were
the winner last year. I think France Football should award you your 2020 Ballon
d’Or – you deserve it and you should have it at home.”

Also Read | Ballon d’Or 2021: Full list of award winners

“I think
Robert Lewandowski had a great year. Year after year, he improves and shows the
excellent striker he is, as well as his ability to score goals. This year he
was awarded as the top scorer. Of course, he can certainly aspire to that level
next year, thanks to his way of being on the pitch. And in addition, he plays
for a big club.”

Lewandowski
was the outright favourite to win the Ballon d’Or in 2020, with his goal-scoring
exploits leading Bayern Munich to its second ‘treble’. However, the ceremony
was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Messi, who won
the Copa America title with Argentina – his first major trophy with the
national team – as well as the Copa del Rey with Barcelona, was in a close race
with Lewandowski for the Ballon d’Or this year.

Also Read | Ronaldo hits back at Pascal Ferre, labels claim about rivalry with Messi ‘lies’

The Paris Saint
Germain (PSG) forward pipped the Pole, who won the inaugural best striker
award, by just 33 votes. Messi received 613 votes compared to Lewandowski’s 580.
Jorginho finished third with 460 votes, after winning the Champions League with
Chelsea and the Euro 2020 title with Italy.

Chelsea was
also awarded the inaugural club of the year accolade for having the most nominees
for the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or. Blues goalkeeper Edouard Mendy finished
second for the Yashin trophy, behind PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Barcelona
midfielder Pedri was awarded the Kopa Trophy, given to the best player under the
age of 21. The women’s Ballon d’Or was bagged by Barcelona Femini captain
Alexia Putellas.