PSG accused of attempting to influence Lionel Messi and Ballon d'Or result

07 January 2024 , 08:00

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Lionel Messi has won eight Ballons d'Or in his career - but PSG have been accused of trying to influence the won he received in 2021. (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Paris Saint-Germain have been accused of inappropriately trying to influence the controversial 2021 Ballon d'Or results in favour of Lionel Messi.

That was the year Messi joined PSG from Barcelona in an emotional summer switch, with the Argentina international brought to tears in his farewell press conference with an iconic La Liga club. According to Le Monde, PSG courted then-France Football magazine president Pascal Ferre, hoping the Ballon d'Or president would do them a favour.

Messi won the seventh of his eight Ballon d'Or honours in 2021, finishing just ahead of then-Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski. Ferre has denied the new report, though, and claimed he voted for Lewandowski, not Messi, in a 2021 ballot.

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PSG now reportedly employs Ferre as its communications director. In its report, Le Monde writes that the man received gifts such as match tickets and a business class flight from PSG in 2020 and 2021 when he was still in charge of France Football magazine. It cites a probe from the General Inspectorate of the National Police in its investigation.

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At the time, Messi's triumph over Lewandowski provided great pride for PSG, who had signed with them only a few months before. His tenure in France eventually turned sour, with Parc des Princes supporters jeering him near the end, however all was relatively rosy as he lifted the silverware in 2021.

Messi expressed remorse in his Ballon d'Or speech regarding Lewandowski's snub. "I would like to mention Robert Lewandowski, it's been a real honour to compete with you," Messi said. "Everyone knows and we agree that you were the winner last year. I think France Football should award you your [trophy last year] - you deserve it and you should have it at home."

Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski have expressed mutual respect since the 2021 Ballon d'Or ceremony. (FIFA via Getty Images)

Messi added: "I think Robert Lewandowski had a great year. Year after year, he improves and shows the excellent striker he is, as well as his ability to score goals.

"This year he was awarded as the top scorer. Of course he can certainly aspire to that level next year, thanks to his way of being on the pitch. And in addition, he plays for a big club."

Unfortunately for Lewandowski, no such second chance at winning the Ballon d'Or has emerged. At this stage of his career, it appears a long shot that he'll ever be in serious contention again. Still, Lewandowski appreciated Messi giving him praise. "Messi's words towards me [about the Ballon d'Or] really touched me," Lewandowski told Bild in 2021. "They weren't empty words, it was a nice moment in my career.

"I only spoke a few words with Leo [face to face], because my Spanish is not that good. I spoke with Kylian [Mbappe] in English, he then translated for Leo. It was a great night."

Dan Bernstein