Lionel Messi's biggest rival as the best player on earth accused him of 'empty words' after the Argentine said he should have won the 2020 Ballon d'Or

• Robert Lewandowski is not happy with the praise he was given by Lionel Messi last week.
• Messi said that Lewandowski should have won last year's canceled Ballon d'Or award.

Lionel Messi has been criticized for his "empty words" after claiming the man he beat for the 2021 Ballon d'Or should have won the award last year.

Robert Lewandowski was in the running for this year's prize but was pipped by Messi last week as the Argentine claimed a record seventh Ballon d'Or.

The Polish striker was the favorite for last year's award, but the 2020 edition of the Ballon d'Or was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic cutting the European soccer season short.

During his acceptance speech in 2021, Messi took time to praise Bayern Munich and Poland striker Lewandowski, and said that he should still be given the 2020 award.

"I'd like to mention Robert, it's been a real honour to compete with him," Messi said on stage.

"Everyone knows and we agree that you were the winner last year.

"I think France Football should award you your 2020 Ballon d'Or, you deserved it."

Lewandowski, however, did not agree.

"I'm not that enthusiastic about getting the 2020 award," he told Polish outlet Kanale Sportowym, per Spanish newspaper Marca.

"'I would like it [Messi's 2020 Ballon d'Or statement] to be a sincere and courteous statement from a great player and not just empty words."

Lewandowski has scored more than 100 goals in the past two years. In 2020, he helped guide Bayern Munich to the treble — winning the German league, cup, and the Champions League — and finished as top scorer in every competition he played in.

The 33-year-old said he felt "sadness" at missing out on the 2021 award.

"I can't say I was happy, on the contrary. I have a feeling of sadness.

"To be so close, to compete with Messi, of course I respect how he plays and what he has achieved.

"The mere fact that I was able to compete with him shows me the level that I was able to reach."

Seemingly as a consolation for missing out on the Ballon d'Or, Lewandowski was given a newly-created award of "Striker of the Year."