Robert Lewandowski says Lionel Messi’s 2022 World Cup win with Argentina has made him the main favourite for the subsequent Ballon d’Or.
In his closing World Cup marketing campaign, Messi led the Albiceleste to glory in Qatar, scoring twice within the closing earlier than his aspect beat Kylian Mbappe and France within the penalty shootout.
Messi wasn’t nominated for the 2022 award which was claimed by Karim Benzema and though the subsequent ceremony will not be for the very best a part of a 12 months, Lewandowski mentioned he believed Messi had turn into the favourite for the subsequent golden ball following his World Cup win.
He mentioned: “There is maybe one more player who plays for the same club but there is only one World Cup that decides who is going to win it this season and Leo is now in the top position for sure because of what he has achieved which means everything to him. He now can enjoy it.”
Messi has been linked with a return to Barcelona sooner or later. Lewandowski has made a superb begin to his profession in Catalonia and admitted Messi returning can be an unimaginable prospect.
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“It’s not up to me. But compared to other times, he is now the footballer that any striker would dream of playing alongside him.”
90min understands PSG are satisfied Messi will keep in France and signal a brand new contract, although the Argentina ahead is just not trying to commit for greater than 18 months. Major League Soccer aspect Inter Miami need Messi to hitch them in Florida, although he’s more likely to keep in Europe for one other two seasons.