Robert Lewandowski, the prolific Polish striker, recently sat down with the Athletic to reminisce about his remarkable career, marked by thrilling encounters with footballing legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Lewandowski’s career has established him as one of the finest strikers of his generation, and he reflected on the rare opportunities he had to compete against these two global icons. He expressed his gratitude for having played in the same era as Messi and Ronaldo, noting that although he didn’t quite match their astronomical levels, he did get close enough to break some records and make an impact.
Lewandowski’s thoughts on his encounters with Ronaldo were particularly insightful, as he recalled facing the Portuguese superstar nine times with Poland, Borussia Dortmund, or Bayern Munich. In those matches, Lewandowski won two, drew two, and lost five, scoring seven goals to Ronaldo’s six. While it may seem that Lewandowski struggled to outperform his illustrious opponents, he praised himself for being able to hold his own against the best, stating, “I think I’ve been close to that elite level in some moments and even beat them in different games.” Lewandowski’s comments suggest that he views his own achievements as just as remarkable as those of Messi and Ronaldo, albeit in his own way.
The UEFA Nations League star’s remarks come amid a recent interview by former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique, who revealed that Messi didn’t dwell on his rivalry with Ronaldo. According to Pique, Messi was a team-focused player who prioritized winning titles over personal accolades, even going as far as to say that his Ballon d’Or awards didn’t become a priority for him. This team-first mentality, Pique claimed, was what set Messi apart from other top players. Pique’s comments offer a behind-the-scenes look at the careers of three all-time greats, painting a picture of Messi as a selfless competitor who prioritized collective success over individual glory.
Lewandowski’s conversation with the Athletic, combined with Pique’s revelations, provides a fresh perspective on the extraordinary careers of Messi, Ronaldo, and Lewandowski himself. His reflections on playing alongside and against these icons serve as a testament to the incredible talent and dedication that has driven them to achieve greatness. While the rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo has been the subject of much speculation, Lewandowski’s comments suggest that even amidst intense competition, these players maintain a level of respect and admiration for one another.
Lewandowski’s humility and appreciation for the opportunity to compete against the best have earned him a unique perspective on the game. His comments also highlight the importance of having a team-first mentality, which has been a hallmark of Messi’s career. As Lewandowski looks back on his career, he is reminded of the incredible moments he shared with Messi and Ronaldo, and the fact that he was able to hold his own against them is a testament to his own hard work and dedication.
Lewandowski’s reminisces about his encounters with Messi and Ronaldo offer a Look into the minds of three all-time greats. His humility and team-first mentality are a stark contrast to the intense rivalry that dominated headlines for years. As the world of football continues to evolve, it is refreshing to see players like Lewandowski, Messi, and Ronaldo who prioritize teamwork and humility over individual accolades.
