On 30th November, France Football announced the winner of the 65th Ballon D’or edition. It was none other than Lionel Messi.
Messi first won it in 2009 and was the first player to win it 4 times in a row. The yearly award did not take place in 2020 because of the pandemic. But even before that Messi won it against Van Dijk and there was a margin of 7 points between them.
This year Messi won it with a decent margin against Lewandowski who was second to him.
Was Lionel Messi the deserved winner?
Many have passed their comments on Messi winning the Ballon D’or, calling it undeserved. But definitely, Lionel Messi edges out Robert Lewandowski in a tough battle between them.
Robert Lewandowski broke Gerd Muller’s record of most goals scored in a league campaign. The previous record was 40 goals but Lewandowski scored 42 and has set his record. Bundesliga in comparison to La Liga is the easier league. This does not debunk Lewandowski’s achievements in any way but what Messi did in a tougher league is more commendable.
Between the two, Lewandowski easily has the better team but still Messi held his own.
Lionel Messi had a G/A of 58 in just 56 games for Barcelona. Messi not performing in big games is a myth.
In the Copa Del Rey, he had a G/A of 4 from which he scored 2 goals in the finals. Messi won the MVP award of the tournament as well.
Goals scored in knockout stages(2021)
Messi – 10 G/A
Lewandowski- 4G/A
Even in the champions league, Messi has scored against difficult oppositions. He scored one against Manchester City, Leipzig and a brace against PSG.
When it came to the league comparison, it can be said that Lewandowski was better. But Messi’s performance in Copa America makes him the deserved winner for sure.
In Copa America, here are Messi’s records.
Most goals – 4
Most assists -5
First in Key passes- 22
Most dribbles – 36
Most through passes- 4
Messi was announced as the best player in the tournament. He is the only player in a major tournament to finish as the MVP, top scorer, top assister and winner.
If the Ballon D’or is sole to be decided on goals and assists then Messi would have won it 9 times. No matter what haters say, LM7 was inevitable.
Do follow us on Twitter for more updates.
