Robert Lewandowski vs Lionel Messi Stats 2021: Who deserved the 2021 Ballon d'Or?

The 2021 Ballon d'Or did not go to an ultimate winner who was consistent for over two years and scored abundant of goals but missed the 2020 Ballon d'Or in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic. 

In this article, we compare the 2021 stats of Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi along with a discussion on who deserved the Ballon d'Or this year.

The recently concluded Ballon d'Or ceremony has created some backlash from certain sections of the football community. Lionel Messi got his hands on his 7th Ballon d'Or trophy thanks to a winners medal at the Copa America. 

Robert Lewandowski was the frontrunner this year along with Messi, who was not favourite until he won an international trophy with Argentina in July, making him the favourites to lift the prestigious award. 

However, most fans and pundits were backing Lewandowski for this Ballon d’Or as he had one of the finest seasons in 2019-2020 and 2020-21. 

With this, Lionel Messi has now got his hands on Ballon d’Or in three decades, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and in 2021. 

Although the other side of the fans have not been content with Lionel Messi winning the Ballon d’Or. According to them, Robert Lewandowski deserved this award after last year’s cancellation. 

Messi's seventh Ballon d’Or felt like a soft call by the Ballon d'Or jury if we compare to what Lewandowski attained with Bayern and Poland in 2020-2021. There was only 33 points difference between both the players. 

Ballon d'Or Points Tally:

Lionel Messi - 613 points
Robert Lewandowski - 580 points

We analyse Robert Lewandowski vs Lionel Messi Stats for 2021 and how they played in the recently concluded season. 

Lionel Messi vs Robert Lewandowski: How did their respective clubs and countries performed in the 2020-21 season?

Robert Lewandowski was far better player in terms of goals and was one of the best players for Bayern and Poland.  

A biased choice? 

Lionel Messi's only biggest achievement in 2021 was winning the Copa America for Argentina. Lionel Messi had an abysmal season with Barcelona winning only Copa del Rey. 

Though a major trophy with his national team changed his fortunes, and since then, he has been in the spotlight for Ballon d’Or. 

Albeit being the top scorer in Copa America, Messi wasn’t even the most important player. The most influential players were Rodrigo De Paul and Emiliano Martinez. 

If it was not for Martinez saving penalties, Messi would have missed out on the Ballon d’Or and De Paul assist in the final it could have gone the other. 

Yes, Messi did score in some crucial matches, but overall, Lewandowski displayed both consistency and results. Even Lionel Messi acknowledged how Lewandowski couldn’t win it last year.

 “I think that you deserve your Ballon d’Or,” Lionel Messi said. “Last year everyone was in agreement that you were the winner and I think that France Football should give you the Ballon d’Or that you deserve, and to have it since you earned it and you won it last year. It couldn’t happen because of the pandemic, but I think you should also have it in your home.”

Lewandowski will turn 34 next year, and we cannot predict the future, with many young talents entering their prime. The 33-year-old will have to outdo himself once again.