Messi Admits Targeting Lewandowski Over Ballon d'Or Feud at 2022 World Cup
Lionel Messi has made a candid admission about deliberately targeting Robert Lewandowski during their 2022 FIFA World Cup encounter, revealing that lingering resentment from their Ballon d'Or controversy motivated his aggressive play against the Polish striker.
In a revealing interview with ESPN earlier this year, the Argentine superstar acknowledged that Lewandowski's comments following the 2021 Ballon d'Or ceremony had left him feeling personally slighted, leading to what he described as intentional humiliation on the pitch.
Personal Vendetta on the Pitch
"Lewandowski's statement in 2021 bothered me because when I won the Ballon d'Or, I said what I really felt," Messi explained to ESPN in July. "I ignored him during the game because it was him, and I was angry and thought he shouldn't have said what he said. I was very angry. Was I deliberately dribbling because it was him? Yes."
This extraordinary admission sheds light on how elite athletes channel personal grievances into competitive performance, transforming off-field disputes into on-field motivation.
The Root of the Controversy
The tension between these two football giants stems from the controversial 2021 Ballon d'Or award. Lewandowski had been the overwhelming favorite for the 2020 prize, which was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Despite a phenomenal 2020-21 season where he scored 41 Bundesliga goals in just 29 appearances, the Bayern Munich striker again finished runner-up to Messi.
At the 2021 ceremony, Messi graciously suggested that Lewandowski deserved recognition for his 2020 performance. However, the Polish striker later dismissed these comments as "empty words" in a subsequent interview, a characterization that clearly rankled the Argentine maestro.
World Cup Vindication
The personal animosity played out dramatically during Argentina's 2-0 victory over Poland in the Qatar World Cup group stage. While Messi didn't score or assist in that particular match, his team's triumph represented a step toward his ultimate vindication, the World Cup trophy that had long eluded him.
Argentina's subsequent championship run not only fulfilled Messi's greatest ambition but also earned him an unprecedented eighth Ballon d'Or in 2023, further cementing his status as football's most decorated individual performer.
Lewandowski's Clarification
Recently, Lewandowski has attempted to clarify his earlier remarks, suggesting they may have been misinterpreted or emotionally charged. Speaking to Polish outlet Rymanowski Live, he explained: "I know what you mean, the situation with Messi after the Ballon d'Or, where I think I was misunderstood or maybe I expressed myself badly. During the gala, with the emotion, I don't even remember exactly what I said."
This revelation offers a fascinating glimpse into the psychological dynamics that drive elite competition. Messi's admission demonstrates how personal slights can fuel athletic excellence, transforming perceived disrespect into competitive advantage.
The incident also highlights the intense pressure and scrutiny faced by global superstars, where every comment and gesture becomes magnified and potentially weaponized by rivals seeking any edge in their pursuit of greatness.