The 2021 FIFA Best player, Robert Lewandowski has said his award is more prestigious than the popular Balon D'Or award that he was reportedly denied.

It will be recalled that Messi edged out the Pole to take home his record-breaking seventh Ballon d’Or title in October.

The Ballon d’Or final votes had led to some criticisms, with observers claiming that Lewandowski had been robbed.

Lewandowski has now moved to stoke the flames between the two players, by claiming that FIFA’s Best Men’s Player award is more important than the Ballon d’Or.

“I have been thinking lately and I have come to the conclusion that the FIFA award is more important.

“Only journalists vote for the Ballon d’Or, there is no clear verification.

“Instead, professional football and the press vote for the FIFA award.

“Perhaps in the prestigious ranking, the Ballon d’Or is better positioned, but the recognition I received by winning The Best makes me proud because I know how hard I worked for many years,”