Bayern Munich striker Lewandowski 'sad' about Ballon d'Or snub; hits out at Messi's 'empty words' | OneFootball

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski says he should've won the Ballon d'Or last week - and wants a statement from the winner, PSG attacker Lionel Messi.

In the 2020/21 season, Lewandowski scored an incredible 48 goals and provided nine assists in 40 matches in all competitions, as Bayern won the Bundesliga, DFL-Supercup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. While during this campaign he has notched up 16 Bundesliga goals in 14 games.

"I felt sadness," Lewandowski told Kanale Sportowym. "I can't deny it.

"I can't say I was happy, on the contrary. I have a feeling of sadness. To be so close, to compete with Messi, of course I respect how he plays and what he has achieved. The mere fact that I was able to compete with him shows me the level that I was able to reach."

The Bayern Munich striker also took aim at Barcelona great Messi, after the PSG forward urged France Football to award the 2020 Ballon d'Or to Lewandowski.

"I'm not that enthusiastic about getting the 2020 award," Lewandowski said.

"I would like it [Messi's 2020 Ballon d'Or statement] to be a sincere and courteous statement from a great player and not just an empty words."