The problem with this post (and the majority of modern fans these days) is 1 sided bias towards goals when it comes to regarding the best player award. Goals are important and decide the victory, but goal scoring is not the only aspect of the game. Defense and playmaking are equally important and integral parts of football.

Compare Lewandowski and Messi’s stats from 2021. It will become pretty evident that Lewandowski scored more goals, but Messi himself scored a decent number of goals (he won the Pichichi that year). But Messi wasn’t just scoring goals. He was also playmaking at a high level. Not to mention, he won the highest MOTM that year.

As for Copa, then it is an international trophy, and of course, it will carry the weightage at least equal to UCL and it was Argentina’s first major trophy in 28 years so it became even more crucial. Add Messi’s Copa POTT and Top Scorer award, his case becomes equally or more solid than Lewandowskis.

People regarding this often argue that Messi also won Ballon D’or in 2012 simply for breaking the calendar year goal tally record. But they forget he was also playmaking during that time as well. Assisting, making through balls and key passes. He was basically playing 3 positions that year (10, False 9 and 8), and he was unplayable in all those positions.

Gerd Muller made the season and calendar year goal tally record in 1972. But Beckenbauer won Ballon D’or that year because while Muller was the best striker during that year, Beckenbauer was the best player overall. Such was the case of 2021.

It’s smart to leave with some gas in the tank rather than being completely exhausted. Ronaldo faced something similar in 2022. Fast forward to 2023, and he got back in the shape. It is wise to reduce intemsity with age.