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Messi Should Be Sincere, Not Just Give Empty Words’ – Ballon d’Or Runner-Up Robert Lewandowski Knocks Winner For His Speech
Robert Lewandowski has knocked Lionel Messi over his tribute towards him at the 2021 Ballon d’Or ceremony, labeling his rival’s comments ’empty words’.
Messi, 34, controversially beat Lewandowski, 33, to the 2021 prize, with many fans and pundits stating that the Polish striker was more deserving of the award.
The Bayern Munich striker was the standout performer of 2020 and was denied the Ballon d’Or that year as it was cancelled due to Covid.
In his acceptance speech, Messi acknowledged that Lewandowski deserved the prize for 2020, and called on event organisers France Football to retrospectively hand the Pole his gong.
‘Last year everyone agreed that you were the winner and I think that France Football should give you the Ballon d’Or that you deserve,’ he said.
However, the 33-year-old was unconvinced by Messi’s comments, labelling them ’empty words’ before insisting that he does not care for a token reward.
‘I’m not that enthusiastic about getting the 2020 award,’ Lewandowski told Kanale Sportowym via Marca.
‘I would like it [Messi’s 2020 Ballon d’Or statement] to be a sincere and courteous statement from a great player and not just an empty words.’
Reflecting on last week’s near-miss, Lewandowski said: ‘I felt sadness. I can’t deny it.
‘I can’t say I was happy, on the contrary. I have a feeling of sadness. To be so close, to compete with Messi, of course, I respect how he plays and what he has achieved. The mere fact that I was able to compete with him shows me the level that I was able to reach.’
Lewandowski has scored 130 goals in 108 games since the start of the 2019-20 campaign, and him missing out of the top prize will serve as motivation for his Bayern Munich team-mates, Thomas Muller revealed.
‘From the Bavarian, Polish, and also German point of view, last night’s Ballon d’Or award ceremony was definitely a disappointment, for some even a bit more,’ Muller said in the wake of the result.
‘Although I’ve been in the business a bit longer and therefore wasn’t really surprised about the outcome (it was similar with Franck Ribéry in 2013), the whole thing has formed or once again solidified a thought in me: We have great players in the Bundesliga and don’t have to hide.
‘For worldwide recognition, however, we need more international successes. That’s a huge motivation for me, too, to put everything on the line to bring the Champions League back to Munich and show the soccer world what’s what.
‘And above all, what German soccer has to offer. The next opportunity to do so will be next Wednesday at the Champions League match against FC Barcelona. Let’s go for it!’
Josh2Funny’s Album Has Fans Talking — But Should He Stick To Music Or Skits? 😂🎶
Nigerian comedian and content creator Josh2Funny has taken his comedy game into music, and Nigerians are definitely having something to say about it.
The comedian released his 15-track album, “On Behalf of Josh,” on July 10, 2026, but instead of fading away after release, the project has continued to generate conversations on X.
And the big question now is:
Should Josh2Funny continue with music or go back to skits? 😂
Fans have been divided. While some listeners openly criticized the album and told him to return to comedy, others found songs they genuinely enjoyed.
One X user joked:
“Josh2Funny stopped doing skits and started music, Everybody wan chop this music money 😂”
Another simply said:
“This Josh2Funny Album no enter make he just go back skit abeg 😂”
But then came “Lembe.” 🔥
The track caught fire on X and eventually became a trending topic in Nigeria. The #LembeChallenge also gained momentum as creators began jumping on the song.
Josh2Funny later announced ₦1 million for winners of the challenge, giving the song another major push.
And it didn’t stop there.
‘INTERNATIONAL’ FT. ICE PRINCE ALSO TRENDED
On another day, “International” featuring Ice Prince generated its own buzz on X.
One fan even called it their favourite song from the album, while praising the collaboration. The post itself pulled thousands of views, showing that people weren’t only talking about Lembe.
From album criticism to trending songs and challenges, “On Behalf of Josh” has kept Josh2Funny’s name in the conversation.
Whether you love the album or think he should return to skits, one thing is clear:
Josh2Funny has succeeded in getting Nigerians talking. 😂🔥
So, let’s settle this once and for all:
Should Josh2Funny continue with MUSIC 🎶 or return to SKITS 😂?
Music or Skits? Drop your answer! 👇
East Ham, East London — 8 August 2026: The vibrant Igbo community in the UK came together for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, culture and social connection at Igbotic Game Night, one of the biggest social gatherings celebrating the Igbo community in the United Kingdom.
Among the night’s standout moments was an electrifying performance by Afrobeats artist Obeena, who took the stage and immediately captured the attention of the crowd.
Obeena delivered performances of two of his hit songs, “Wara Wara” and “Banging,” bringing his energetic sound and distinctive stage presence to the event. From the opening moments of his set, fans responded with excitement, singing along, dancing and enthusiastically supporting the artist.
His performance of “Wara Wara” created an instant connection with the audience, while “Banging” took the energy to another level. Obeena’s ability to engage the crowd transformed his set into one of the most memorable entertainment moments of the evening.
Held in East Ham, East London, on 8 August 2026, Igbotic Game Night provided a unique platform for members of the Igbo community to celebrate their heritage while enjoying music, games and social interaction. Events such as this continue to play an important role in bringing together Nigerians and the wider African diaspora in the UK.
For Obeena, the performance was another opportunity to showcase his growing artistry and connect directly with fans. His energetic delivery, stage confidence and ability to command the audience demonstrated why his live performances continue to attract attention.
By the end of his set, Obeena had left the crowd amazed and added another memorable chapter to his journey as an Afrobeats artist. His appearance at Igbotic Game Night was not simply a performance—it was a celebration of Nigerian music, culture and community.
With performances like this, Obeena continues to demonstrate his ambition to take his sound beyond the studio and onto major stages, connecting with audiences through music, energy and an unmistakable African identity.
Igbotic Game Night brought the Igbo community together. Obeena gave them a performance to remember.
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