Lionel Messi acknowledges that at the World Cup in Qatar, he intentionally attempted to degrade Robert Lewandowski.

Messi demonstrated on stage that his opponent should have won the 2021 Ballon d’Or after defeating Lewandowski for the title, which was canceled because of the epidemic. Lewandowski then implied that the Argentinean’s words weren’t real, but he still thinks the former striker for Bayern Munich had his remarks misunderstood.

Not long afterward, Messi failed to rank Lewandowski among his top three choices for The Best award in 2022—a title that the Pole ultimately took home. Rewind to November of last year, when Poland and Argentina played a tight final group match at the World Cup in Qatar. Neither team had yet to secure a spot in the knockout round.

Messi chose to dribble towards Barcelona star Lewandowski in a one-on-one situation during the second half, with Argentina leading 2-0. After a while, Lewandowski brushed him off the ball, but a few minutes later, there was an awkward exchange when he extended his hand to Messi, appearing to be offering a truce.

However, the Argentina captain refused to comply, instead glancing off into space. Messi has revealed the cause of their argument, a full year after the game.

The 36-year-old recently told ESPN, “Lewandowski’s statement in 2021 bothered me because when I won the Ballon d’Or I said what I really felt.” “Because it was him and I was upset that he said what he said, I disregarded him during the game. I was furious. Was I dribbling because it was him on purpose? Indeed.

“We got together, had a conversation, and decided that there had been a misunderstanding. The discrepancy between what he said and what was reported infuriated him.

“Then he went to Barcelona and we talked about many things about the club, the city and everything.”

Angel Di Maria was cited by Marca as stating: “I realized it, you realized it, my grandmother realized it.” Messi’s strategies were obviously detected. These are his own stuff, which he occasionally holds onto. He ends up doing it to you in court or tossing it in a note when you talk about him.”

Now that their rivalry is over and they are both enjoying their golden years, Messi and Lewandowski get along really well. Speaking at an awards ceremony in May, the two discussed rumors that Messi was thinking about going back to Barcelona before moving to Inter Miami for the summer.

“I understand Messi’s significance for Barcelona,” Lewandowski subsequently clarified. “You think of Messi when you think of Barcelona, and you think of Messi when you think of Barca.

“I am aware of the value that Leo would add to our team—off the field as well as for the entire club.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing with football-savvy players. Leo is also excellent.”