The PSG and Argentina forward Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or award for the seventh time breaking his own record. However, the Bayer Munich and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski was the competitor of Messi to win this prestigious award. But Lionel Messi beat him to claim the Ballon d’Or for the record seventh time.
Why did Messi win the Ballon d’Or 2021?
Lionel Messi, who moved to Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent from FC Barcelona in the summer transfer window, wins his 7th Ballon d’Or. There are a lot of reasons behind winning this award. But winning the Copa America with Argentina is one of the reasons for Lionel Messi to win the Men’s Ballon d’Or 2021 trophy.
Copa America is the first International trophy for Lionel Messi. Although he won an Olympic gold medal, it is not considered an international award. However, Messi became the player of the tournament in Copa America along with Neymar. He was also the top scorer of Copa America this year.
Before joining Paris Saint-Germain, Lionel Messi was the top scorer in the previous season of La Liga. He scored 30 goals for FC Barcelona in the 20/21 season of La Liga. Moreover, Lionel Messi won the Copa del Rey with Barcelona, where he scored twice against Athletic Bilbao. It was his 34th and the final trophy with Barcelona. These are some of the main reasons for Lionel Messi to claim this award for the record seventh time.
“Robert, you deserve it”
Winning the Men’s Ballon d’Or 2021, Lionel Messi didn’t forget to praise his main competitor, Robert Lewandowski. Messi said,
Robert, you deserve your Ballon d’Or. Last year, everyone was in agreement to say that you were the big winner of this award. I think France Football should award you your 2020 Ballon d’Or. You deserve it and you should have it at home.
Messi also shared his thoughts on winning the Ballon d’Or. He said,
Although I always put the collective first, I can’t hide my joy for having been able to get another Ballon d’Or. I want to thank and dedicate it to all my colleagues and staff for such a beautiful year we lived.
However, Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas wins the Women’s Ballon d’Or 2021, and Spanish young lad Pedri wins the Kopa trophy. On the other side, Chelsea wins the best team of the award as well.