Trending topics:
Soccer

Neither Messi nor Lewandowski: Cristiano Ronaldo once revealed who should have won 2021 Ballon d'Or

Despite competition from Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski, Lionel Messi won the 2021 Ballon d'Or for the seventh time, a decision that was met with much controversy. Back then, the Portuguese superstar was not afraid to make his opinion about the matter public.

Published by

By martina alcheva

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Robert Lewandowski
© Aurelien Meunier & Yasser Bakhsh/Getty ImagesCristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Robert Lewandowski

On Thursday, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi played on the same field together for what may be the last time, as Paris Saint-Germain trounced a Riyadh All-Star squad in Saudi Arabia. The initial date for this collision was 2020, however, it was pushed back because of Covid-19 and other circumstances. Ronaldo scored twice to tie the game at 2-2 after Messi got things rolling.

Since both players were taken off the field at around the 60-minute mark, the game may have been the final time they ever competed against one another. Despite PSG’s 5-4 victory, the clash was very exciting from start to finish, and the two teams were spotted hugging after the final whistle.

Recently, the Portuguese legend emphasized his admiration for Messi by saying that, when their playing careers are over, he hopes to meet the 35-year-old: “Why not? I will do it for sure. I will do it. A debate, as Maradona and Pele did. No problem. I’m a good person. I know. I have a good heart.”

Advertisement

Who should have won the 2021 Ballon d’Oras per Cristiano Ronaldo?

Despite their mutual respect for one another, it is well-documented that the Portuguesedid not respond warmly to Messi’s 2021 capture of his seventh Ballon d’Or.Previously, Cristiano Ronaldo had endorsed accusations from a fan on social media, claiming the Argentina captain stole the precious award from Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowskiin 2021 in a ‘shameful’ situation for everybody concerned, as it was described.

Advertisement

In spite of being a finalist, the 37-year-oldreceived 435 fewer votes than his Paris Saint-Germain adversary, who eventually won the award against the strong favorite, Lewandowski. A fan account named “Cristiano Ronaldo – The Legendary” posted on Instagram, and the superstar himselfresponded, expressing his displeasure with the Argentine forward’s victory.

The post outlined Ronaldo’s 2021 accomplishments before arguing that Messi’s award was completely undeserved. The current Al-Nassr acecommented, “Facts,” with a thumbs-up emoji, indicating that he agreed with the arguments stated in the post and was not hesitant to voice his agreement publicly.

Advertisement

ALSO READ

Where to watch Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul live in the USA: 2024 boxing match
Boxing

Where to watch Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul live in the USA: 2024 boxing match

NFL News: Andy Reid makes something clear about Harrison Butker's injury and confirms who will replace kicker with Chiefs
NFL

NFL News: Andy Reid makes something clear about Harrison Butker's injury and confirms who will replace kicker with Chiefs

Cristiano Ronaldo surpasses Argentina’s Lionel Messi with impressive record for Portugal
Soccer

Cristiano Ronaldo surpasses Argentina’s Lionel Messi with impressive record for Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo scores an overhead kick for Portugal: How many does Lionel Messi have?
Soccer

Cristiano Ronaldo scores an overhead kick for Portugal: How many does Lionel Messi have?

Better Collective Logo