The legendary Brazilian footballer Pele congratulated the striker of the French football club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and the Argentine national team Lionel Messi with the presentation of his seventh Ballon d’Or. The 81-year-old ex-striker of the Brazilian national team wrote about this on November 29 on his Instagram page.
According to him, the seventh highest award was a fair tribute to Messi’s unique talent.
“Seven times, thank you very much!” – thanked the Argentinean Pele.
The ceremony took place in Paris. As noted “Sport-Express”, Polish footballer Robert Lewandowski received the Forward of the Year consolation prize, although experts believed that he was worthy of the best footballer award.
In his speech, Messi addressed Lewandowski. “Robert, you deserve an award last year. You should have taken the prize home, ”said the Argentine.
After that, the presentation of the “Ballon d’Or” to Messi caused a violent reaction from the public. Former England striker Gary Lineker congratulated Messi, but recalled the success of the Polish athlete.
“Messi agrees. Messi is right. Give Lyova a reward. Such a simple and correct action, “he wrote.
The President of the Polish Football Federation Tsarek Kulesha supported his compatriot.
“I’m proud of Lewandowski! Historic moment, the highest position for a Pole in voting for the Ballon d’Or and the award for the best striker of the year. Robert will give us many more reasons to rejoice, especially in the form of the national team. For me, he is the best footballer in the world! ”- he wrote on Twitter.
Messi received the Ballon d’Or in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2019. He remains the leader in the number of trophies. Behind him is the forward of Manchester United and the Portuguese national team Cristiano Ronaldo with five Ballon d’Or.
The 34-year-old Messi is a ten-time Spanish champion, a seven-time National Cup winner and an eight-time Spanish Super Cup. He has won the Champions League four times, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup three times.
In August, Barcelona announced Messi’s departure, and since July 1 he has been listed as a free agent. On August 10, Messi and his wife left Barcelona and went to Paris.
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