10 famous footballers who feel Lionel Messi should not win Ballon d'Or in 2021

#3 Michael Owen

England U21 v Andorra U21 - 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier

Former Ballon d'Or winner Michael Owen has also backed Robert Lewandowski ahead of Lionel Messi for the award in 2021. Surprisingly, he did not even mention Lionel Messi in the conversation for the honor. Owen pointed to Jorginho and Mohamed Salah as the other two prime contenders, according to him.

Owen, who represented the likes of Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester United during his playing career, claimed none of the candidates could potentially beat Lewandowski in the race. He was quoted as saying by Daily Post:

"I thought Lewandowski was so unfortunate not to win it in the COVID year when it was, it was obviously suspended or cancelled that year, and I would probably go with him."

"There are other candidates, don’t get me wrong, Mo Salah’s had a great season, although he’s not won anything. Jorginho, on the other hand, for Chelsea, [has] won everything."

"But I am not sure he’s potentially good enough to win it ahead of players like Lewandowski, and so I would probably go with him. He has won the Bundesliga again."

Bold claim from Owen there, especially not mentioning Lionel Messi in the conversation for the Ballon d'Or.

---

#2 Lothar Matthaus

Armenia v Germany - 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier

1990 Ballon d'Or winner Lothar Matthaus has backed Robert Lewandowski for the award in 2021. The former Germany international feels the competition for the Ballon d'Or is close this year, but has no doubts over who "deserves" it more.

Matthaus mentioned Karim Benzema as a close contender for the award, but did not mention Lionel Messi while naming the favorites. The former World Cup winner believes Lewandowski will be the rightful winner after he was unlucky to miss out last year. Matthaus was quoted as saying:

"I want [Lewandowski] to win the Ballon d'Or because he already deserved it last year. This year is closer, but he is my favorite."

“Benzema has had a great season, but he has not won any title. He was knocked out of the Euros with France and he hasn’t been champion with [Real] Madrid in Spain.”

If Lionel Messi ever listened to this, he would cherish that record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or win even more if he wins it.

---

#1 Ronaldo

Real Madrid v Espanyol

Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo has surprisingly backed Karim Benzema for the prestigious award in 2021. The Brazilian feels Benzema has maintained a brutal level of consistency in the last decade. As such, Ronaldo feels there is no one better, not even Lionel Messi, in the race for the 2021 Ballon d'Or.

He decided to back Benzema publicly via Instagram and wrote:

"Without a doubt, my candidate for the Ballon d'Or is Benzema. The best striker, brutal level for 10 years and champion above all. Don't you think?"

Lionel Messi or Benzema for the Ballon d'Or in 2021? Over to you now, France Football!