
Lionel Messi named the 2023 Laureus Sportsman of the Year.
This was just hours after it was made official that the 35-year-old had rejoined Paris Saint-Germain after serving a club suspension, the ceremony in Paris where he accepted the awards took place.
The Sun reports that Messi was also previously part of a Team of the Year success in 2012 when Barcelona won it following their 2011 Champions League triumph.
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The 35-year-old spoke at the ceremony and said his selection as Sportsman of the Year as a “special honor.”
“I want to thank all my team-mates, not only from the national team but also at PSG – I have achieved none of this alone and I am grateful to be able to share everything with them.”
🏆 Lionel Messi is the 2023 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year.
— Laureus (@LaureusSport) May 8, 2023
The iconic footballer reached even greater heights last year, when he inspired @Argentina to a historic third @FIFAWorldCup triumph. 🇦🇷#Laureus23 pic.twitter.com/kE0N7XzC1h
Awards that Lionel Messi has won so far this 2023 season:
- World Cup winner
- World Cup Final Player of the Match
- World Cup Golden Ball winner
- The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2022
- 2023 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year
After a very special night in Paris, Lionel Messi celebrates an historic achievement as the first athlete to take home both the Laureus World Sportsman and Laureus World Team of the Year Awards in the same year at the Laureus World Sports Awards 🏆#Laureus23 pic.twitter.com/XJAwSVHmLS
— Laureus (@LaureusSport) May 9, 2023
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