Polish striker Robert Lewandowski expressed gratitude for the kind words spoken by Lionel Messi about him at the Ballon d'Or ceremony last week, confirming that his statements in an interview with a Polish media outlet were "misinterpreted" and exploited by European media.
The Bayern Munich forward clarified that things are not as the media depicted, and that Messi's words and feelings towards him at the event "had a significant impact on him, which made him happy and softened the bitterness of not winning the award," according to the British newspaper "Daily Mail."
Lewandowski stated, "The statements I made in an interview with a Polish TV station were not interpreted in the best way," noting that he did not intend to suggest that Messi's words about him were insincere; rather, "I just wanted to express that I would definitely be happy to hear Messi's words."
He continued, "On the contrary, what Messi expressed towards me at the event held in Paris, where he acknowledged my deserving the Ballon d'Or 2020, truly affected me and made me feel happy."
Lewandowski added, "I have feelings of respect and appreciation for Lionel Messi, and I congratulate him once again on winning the Ballon d'Or 2021."
The victory of Argentine Lionel Messi, 34, at the Ballon d'Or for the seventh time in his career sparked controversy, as many analysts and critics felt that the Polish striker deserved to win it more than the Argentine "little flea."
