Robert Lewandowski says Lionel Messi's 2022 World Cup win with Argentina has made him the leading favourite for the next Ballon d'Or.

In his final World Cup campaign, Messi led the Albiceleste to glory in Qatar, scoring twice in the final before his side beat Kylian Mbappe and France in the penalty shootout.

Messi wasn't nominated for the 2022 award which was claimed by Karim Benzema and although the next ceremony won't be for the best part of a year, Lewandowski said he believed Messi had become the favourite for the next golden ball following his World Cup win.

He said: "There is maybe one more player who plays for the same club but there is only one World Cup that decides who is going to win it this season and Leo is now in the top position for sure because of what he has achieved which means everything to him. He now can enjoy it."