Speaking in an exclusive interview for the Star+, Lionel Messi has opened on the weird episode with Robert Lewandowski that happened at the World Cup last year.
As a reminder, the two faced off at the group stage in Qatar. At some point of the game, Leo attempted to dribble past the Pole but was fouled by the latter.
Lewandowski tried to apologize by offering his hand for a handshake, but the Argentine outright ignored him, leaving the Barca striker hanging.
A year after the incident, Leo explained: "Lewandowski’s statements bothered me because when I won the Ballon d’Or I said the thing I really felt, but for him to speak in this way bothered me.
For context: Delivering a speech after claiming his 7th Ballon d'Or in 2021, Leo acknowledged that Lewy deserved the prize for 2020 that was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic. Then-Bayern striker called Messi's words 'empty'.
"I ignored him during the game because I was angry and thought he shouldn't have said what he said. I was very angry. Yes, I was deliberately dribbling because it was him. But after the game we talked and agreed that it was a misunderstanding."
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