Robert Lewandowski vs Lionel Messi: The Untold Story Behind Their World Cup Qatar Tension

During the World Cup in Qatar, scenes of conflict between Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi went viral. As it turns out, their relationship had deteriorated much earlier.

“There are definitely not guys who can go out for a beer or dinner together,” reveals Sebastian Staszewski, the author of Lewandowski's unauthorized biography, in an exclusive interview with beIN Sports USA.

During the match between Poland and Argentina at the World Cup in Qatar, sparks flew between Robert Lewandowski and Leo Messi. Small gestures of mutual dislike and a heated exchange of words ignited the emotions of the fans. At one point, the Inter Miami player ignored the Pole's apology after a foul.

What is the relationship between these two football geniuses like?

One of the origins of the conflict can be traced back to the 2021 France Football Gala. Lewandowski did not receive The Ballon d'Or in 2020, when he was the best footballer in the world, but the poll was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A year later, Lewandowski was again the world's leading footballer, but ultimately finished just behind Messi.

“Although he had already found out the result of the poll a few days earlier, he had long believed that he would win. And indeed, he was very close. A difference of 33 votes. When Didier Drogba read out the results, Robert felt as if an ice cube had slid down his neck. He knew that this was his second-best chance to win The Ballon d'Or. As we know today, he will probably never win it, so I think this is a very sad episode in his career,” reveals Sebastian Staszewski in an exclusive interview with beIN Sports USA.

“I don't think there was a single moment when the animosity between the two players grew. The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo lasted for a long time, but there was also a period when Robert Lewandowski was the best player in the world. For a player with a huge ego, this is not a pleasant feeling.

We saw that during the match between Poland and Argentina at the World Cup in Qatar, there were no good feelings between them. It was a rivalry between Lewandowski and Messi. Everyone paid special attention to them.

I'm really curious if they would be able to play on the same team. I don't think it's possible, but I would like to see this duo for myself and for all the fans around the world. However, there are definitely not guys who can go out for a beer or dinner together.

I remember when I was in Paris for the France Football gala in 2021, Robert Lewandowski was sitting next to Leo Messi and there weren't many smiles. You could sense the atmosphere between them. However, I wouldn't say it's a conflict or a war. It's just two big egos, two great players. It's more about football than personalities,” adds Staszewski.

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