Lionel Messi has revealed that he tried to ‘humiliate’ an opponent when they met at the World Cup.
Messi, 37, is many people’s footballing GOAT (greatest of all time), with his blend of modesty and exceptional footballing ability making him one of the most likeable players in the modern game.
The Argentine has achieved a record eight Ballon d’Or triumphs, as well as winning 45 major trophies from playing for Barcelona, PSG, Inter Miami and Argentina.
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Since moving to David Beckham-owned Inter Miami in 2023, he has impressed fans in Major League Soccer (MLS) with 20 goals and ten assists - helping the Herons secure the Leagues Cup and MLS Supporters’ Shield crown.
On an individual level, his hat trick in Miami’s 6-2 win against the New England Revolution on October 19 made him the club’s record goal scorer.
During his stint in Florida, he has cut a happy figure, but on a handful of occasions, fans have caught a glimpse of his spiteful side.
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This was the case in during the 2022 World Cup. Messi’s Argentina faced Poland in Group C. You may be wondering, ‘What could possibly annoy Messi in such a routine fixture?’
But it was the fact Robert Lewandowski was on the other side.
After the Poland striker dispossessed Messi, he tried to reconcile with the Argentine, but Messi was not willing to be so friendly, appearing to snub Lewandowski.
Their feud dates back to the 2021 Ballon d’Or race, which Messi won, but many fans thought Lewandowski’s record-breaking tally of 41 Bundesliga goals in 29 games warranted the prize.
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Although Messi did admit that the Polish international deserved to win the 2020 edition of the award, which was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I'd like to mention Robert [Lewandowski], it's been a real honour to compete with him," Messi said while collecting his award on stage in 2021.
But Lewandowski did not approve of Messi’s kind remarks, referring to the Argentine’s comments as “empty words”.
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"Lewandowski's statement in 2021 bothered me because when I won the Ballon d'Or, I said what I really felt,” Messi told ESPN in December 2022.
"I ignored him during the game because it was him, and I was angry and thought he shouldn't have said what he said. I was very angry. Was I deliberately dribbling because it was him? Yes."
"After that, we met and talked and agreed that it was a misunderstanding,” Messi added.
“He was upset because what he said didn't match what was reported.
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"Then he went to Barcelona, and we talked about many things about the club, the city and everything."
It is thought that the pair have since reconciled their relationship.
Topics: Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Ballon d'Or, Barcelona, PSG, Inter Miami
Luke Alfred Davies