Ballon d’Or: Lewandowski Claims Messi Is the Favourite for Award

• Robert Lewandowski believes Lionel Messi is the outright favourite to win the 2023 Ballon d'Or
• According to the Polish star, Messi laid a stake on the crown after he won the 2022 World Cup
• The PSG star netted seven times during the tournament and played a central role in Argentina's route to glory

Barcelona superstar Robert Lewandowski has claimed Lionel Messi is the favourite to win the Ballon d'Or award in 2023.

Lewandowski's assertion came just days after Messi inspired Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar.

Messi was in flawless form for La Albicelester during the global football showpiece which concluded on December 18.

The Paris Saint-Germain ace scored seven times at the tournament, including a brace in the final as Argentina won the World Cup for the first time since 1986.

Footage shows how emotional Messi reacted after seeing Aguero in Qatar

Football

Lewa backs Messi for Ballon d'Or

Lewandowski, who went head-to-head with Messi for the Ballon d'Or in 2021 has now backed his rival to win the award in 2023.

"Of course," the Pole striker responded via the Daily Mail when asked if he thinks Messi has already sealed an eighth Ballon d'Or.

"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 he can enjoy it," he added.

Messi missed out on the crown in 2022 following his struggles at Paris Saint-Germain in his debut season in the French top flight.

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema was subsequently named the winner after helping his side win the Champions League and the La Liga.

World Cup 2022: Former player unimpressed with Lionel Messi

Football

Messi's face could be put on notes

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Argentina's Central Bank is reportedly planning to honour Messi and his teammates after their World Cup glory.

Argentine newspaper outlet El Financiero disclosed that the Central Bank of the Republic of Argentina is eager to mark the country's historic World Cup victory and has been working on ideas since last Sunday.

The general consideration is to have Messi's face put onto a new 1,000-Peso bill, with mock-ups of the 1,000-Peso note being discussed going viral.