The behavior between Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi during the final match of the group stage in the World Cup in Qatar sparked a lot of discussion. Messi was seen dribbling past Lewandowski during the match. Despite Lewandowski’s attempt to engage in conversation, Messi seemed disinterested. Even at the end of the match, when they were seen talking, Messi’s demeanor appeared visibly uncomfortable.
A year later, Messi has opened up about that incident with Lewandowski. He mentioned that his behavior during that match was not due to any tension but rather a deliberate action on his part because he felt Lewandowski was irritated. Another Argentine star, Angel Di Maria, has also spoken about the Messi-Lewa rivalry in the documentary “Champions, a Year Later,” marking a year since Argentina’s World Cup victory.
Di Maria stated regarding Messi’s behavior at that time, “Even my grandmother understands that Messi intentionally engaged in opposition with him. These are things that sometimes happen within him. If someone talks about his relationship, he brushes it off. They are people who only talk and do not respect. And he does not want to understand that he is the best player in history. So, there’s no need for you to say anything to him because it only fuels his anger and makes the situation worse for (the opponent).”
Messi himself addressed the matter in an interview with ESPN, stating that a comment from Lewandowski had upset him. The incident, however, had deeper roots. After winning the 2021 Ballon d’Or, Messi had said, “The Ballon d’Or that was canceled in 2020 belonged to Lewandowski.” At that time, he had expressed that he believed the canceled Ballon d’Or was rightfully Lewandowski’s and should have been given to him.
In response to Messi’s statement, Lewandowski said, “I was not interested in receiving the award for 2020. I expected sincere and humble comments from Messi, not empty words.” Following this, when it came to voting for the 2021 Best FIFA Men’s Player award, Messi did not vote for Lewandowski. Lewandowski commented, “In 2021, he did what he did. I voted for Messi in the Ballon d’Or. But I don’t know why his perspective changed. Whatever happens, I have no complaints, no allegations. I have accepted it. He has made his decision.”
Messi didn’t take well to Lewandowski’s statements. He said, “Lewandowski’s remarks bothered me. What I said after winning the Ballon d’Or, I said it feelingly. But what he said left me disheartened. That’s why I dribbled past him.”
Their tensions seem to have affected Messi’s actions during the Poland match. Messi concluded, “What he said made me upset. What I felt when I won the Ballon d’Or is what I expressed. But what he said disappointed me. That’s why I dribbled past him.”
