“I was at my highest level” - Robert Lewandowski makes Ballon d’Or claim, admits Lionel Messi deserved it in 2021

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski recently opened up on his pursuit of the Ballon d'Or trophy in 2020 and 2021. Speaking to German outlet Bild, the Poland international suggested that his exploits deserved to win the award at least once.

He said:

"I had the best years of my career in 2020 and 2021. A friend recently sent me statistics: I scored 100 goals in 85 games. Of course, I would have loved to receive the Ballon d'Or award at some point. The one from 2021 belongs to Lionel Messi.

"I've heard there are rumors that the 2020 Ballon d'Or could still be awarded belatedly. That year was outstanding for me, I was at my highest level, we won everything..."

Messi lifted the prestigious award in 2019 and 2021 but it was not handed out in 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Lewandowski was exceptional throughout the 2019-20 campaign, breaking the Bundesliga record for most goals in a season with 34 goals. Overall, he made 47 appearances, scoring 55 goals and bagging 10 assists. He was among the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or until it was announced that it would not be awarded for the year.

Messi was also a strong contender after an impressive season for Barcelona. He scored 31 goals and set up 27 more in 44 games for La Blaugrana.

Lionel Messi breaks record as Inter Miami beat New England Revolution

Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi became the first player in Major League Soccer (MLS) history to notch multiple goal contributions in five straight games. The 36-year-old led the Florida side to a commanding 4-1 win over New England Revolution.

Tomas Chancalay opened the scoring for the hosts before the Argentine superstar scored in either half to hand the lead back to the Herons. Later, Luis Suarez and Benjamin Cremaschi scored to get the final scoreline. Revolution boss Caleb Porter was full of praise for the attacker, saying:

"I thought in the first half, after the goal, we had them locked up pretty good. They were able to find two goals when we felt pretty good about the defending, and that we were limiting their effectiveness, creating clear chances. Then Messi did what he does, and he found a crack. He finds two goals out of nowhere."

Messi now has nine goals and four assists in just seven games in the MLS this season. Inter Miami have moved back to the top of the Eastern Conference with 21 points from 11 games, three points above Cincinnati FC who have a game in hand.