Liverpool and Manchester City Managers Share Rivaling Opinions on Lionel Messi Ballon d’Or 2021 Win

Lionel Messi won his seventh Ballon d’Or yesterday and became the first PSG player to do so. He beat FC Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski who came in second place after having a brilliant season himself. However, there were some controversial comments made around the decision.

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola talked about the decision and revealed how he feels that Messi winning the Ballon d’Or wasn’t unfair.

“We can never say that it’s unfair that Leo Messi wins the Ballon d’Or. He’s too good. So about the preferences, if you like, was it fair or not fair, come on. It’s a show, it’s a nice business so make the football world more entertaining,” said Guardiola.

Pep Guardiola talks about Lionel Messi winning the Ballon d’Or

Pep also talked about the winner of the Ballon d’Or among female footballers, Alexia Putellas, an FC Barcelona star. He gave a special mention to Barca’s rising star, Pedri, and the pride that the awards must bring them.

“That’s why it’s a big compliment for Alexia, a big compliment for Pedri. Big compliment for all the awards, a big compliment for Leo of course, for another one. He deserves it or not, I’m not the guy to say. It would never be unfair if it wins it and of course Robert,” Pep added.

He also talked about the fact that Lewandowski has been playing at the top level for two years now, and added that giving the award to him would have been a fair decision as well.

“Lewy if he had won, of course with the seasons he has done in the last two years, with Hansi Flick and now with Julian Nagelsmann. With the amount of goals scored, the quality he has – would it have been fair? Yes, of course,” Guardiola concluded.

Jurgen Klopp wanted Lewa to win it all

However, Liverpool’s manager Jurgen Klopp had a different view and wanted Robert Lewandowski to win the prestigious award. Moreover, he also expected Liverpool’s Egyptian star Mohamed Salah to finish higher in the rankings.

“You can always give it to Lionel Messi for the career he has had, but if you don’t give it to Lewandowski this time, it’s quite tricky to get it at all, and Mo Salah should’ve been higher up,” Klopp said.

Who do you think makes a stronger point? Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Kloop?

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