Scandalous! German press can't believe Messi beat Lewandowksi

The reactions to Lionel Messi winning his seventh Ballon d'Or have been streaming in. While for the majority of people the award is deserved for the former Barcelona forward, the German press are not in agreement.

"Scandalous decision!" they said after seeing Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski miss out on the award to Messi.

Bild don't understand how the Polish forward only finished second in the voting, keeping in mind what he has done this year and last year, when the award wasn't given out.

In their report, they even include Messi's comments to Lewandowski: "I am sure you would have won it last year and I hope France Football decide to give it to you. I hope that next year is even better, too."

As soon as Monday's gala finished, Lewandowski posted a message on his Twitter account congratulating Messi and Alexia Putellas, the Barça midfielder who won the women's award.

"Congratulations Leo Messi and @alexiaputellas," he wrote, "the winners of the #BallonDor2021, congratulations also to all nominated players! I won Striker of the Year Award and no Player can win an individual award without the strongest team and loyal fans behind him. Thank you for your support."