Lewy discusses Messi NOT voting for him, Bayern future & Haaland rumors​

Lewandowski has reacted to being snubbed by Lionel Messi in The Best FIFA award voting by claiming "I didn't do anything wrong that he can be mad at me".

When asked to address the contrast between Messi's comments at the Ballon d'Or ceremony and his voting choices for The Best prize, Lewandowski told a press conference: "Those were very nice words from him. Now regarding his choice: the question has to be asked of him. I didn't do anything wrong that he can be mad at me - except sporting things.

"Privately, I hope everything was okay. That was his choice, I have to respect that. I don't have to say anything negative or be mad."

Messi was included in Lewandowski's top three, but only as a runner-up as he opted for Chelsea midfielder Jorginho as his preferred winner.

The Bayern forward felt that the Italian was more deserving of the accolade after a stellar 12 months that saw him win Champions League and European Championship honours, with Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo coming in third on his ballot.

"I always look at attacking players but what Jorginho won means a lot. You always have to remain neutral," Lewandowski added on his choices. "He also scored important goals despite being a number six. The year, for him, was insane with Chelsea and Italy.

"There's no need to talk about Messi and Ronaldo. No matter where Ronaldo plays, he always shows his best quality. That's my explanation why I picked him third."

Lewandowski went on to suggest that The Best award holds greater weight than the Ballon d'Or due to the fact the result is decided by only votes from players and coaches.

Journalists have the final say on who wins the Ballon d'Or, and a man who scored 48 goals in 40 games across all competitions last season won't be too disappointed if he never manages to add one to his CV.

"The biggest question is what gold and silver are worth on the market," Lewandowski said when quizzed on the difference between the two awards. "Maybe in the current times gold is not as safe as silver or crypto. Every award has different rules. For me, it is always most important when the players and coaches vote.

He also stated: "For me, the individual awards are always very special because a big number of coaches and players vote for the winner. But the trophies with the team are the biggest and most important."

Lewandowski on not winning the Ballon d'Or: "Each award has different rules. For me it's always more important when the players and coaches choose. For me that's worth more than when there are no players and no coaches."

"Thank you for all the congratulations and support. I am very pleased to have won this award again. Winning it twice in a row means a lot to me, my teammates and the whole club."

Other important questions he answered at the press conference:

Who at Bayern can win The Best in the future?

Lewandowski: "We have so many young, great talents who could one day win the title. You've to prove yourself again & again and always give 100%. It's difficult to name one here because it also depends on what you achieve with the team

Lewandowski on whether he can play with Haaland

 "If we train together for a week or two, I can say more about that. He's a different type of player than me.  He's a top player. I'm happy that he's playing here in the Bundesliga and showing how good he is every game"