Lionel Messi and Lewis Hamilton share Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award

Lionel Messi and Lewis Hamilton were jointly awarded the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year prize.   

The duo surpassed Tiger Woods, Rafael Nadal, Marc Marquez, and Eliud Kipchoge for the award.    Messi and Hamilton were both voted as joint winners by the past sports legends who are part of the Laureus Academy.   

Lewis Hamilton was a co-recipient of the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award along with Lionel Messi.   

On the evening of the event, Hamilton received the award from ex-Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger.    During the event, Messi expressed gratitude to his voters through a video link since he was unable to attend in person.  

Simone Biles, who holds the title of the most decorated gymnast in history, was awarded the title of Sportswoman of the Year.” 

LAUREUS WORLD SPORTS AWARDS WINNERS 2020.

SPORTSMAN: Lionel Messi and Lewis Hamilton

SPORTSWOMEN: Simone Biles

COMEBACK: Sophia Floersch

TEAM: South Africa Men’s Rugby Team.

SPORTING MOMENT: India Men’s Cricket Team

BREAKTHROUGH: Egan Bernal.

SPORTSPERSON WITH DISABILITY: Oksana Masters.

ACTION SPORTSPERSON: Chloe Kim

ACADEMY EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Spanish Basketball Federation

SPORT FOR GOOD AWARD: South Bronx United

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Dirk Nowitzki

Hamilton, who was given the award by former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, said: ‘It’s all of our responsibility to use our platform for really pushing for gender equality, inclusivity and making sure that we are engaging and trying to represent where the world is today.’

Messi, who was not at the event, won his sixth Ballon d’Or last year as Barcelona won La Liga for the 26th time.

Hamilton was crowned F1 world champion for the sixth time in a tremendous year for the British star.

Messi who was not at the event said: ‘I apologise I was not able to come to the event tonight.

‘I really wanted to be there for every but unfortunately I could not make it.

‘I would like to thank the Academy for giving me this recognition.

  – This award is very special, and I am honored to be the first recipient from a team sport.   
– I am grateful for this recognition.   
– Thank you so much.   
– It means a lot to me.   
– I appreciate the acknowledgment.   
– This award holds great significance for me.   
– I am proud to receive this honor.   
– I am thankful for this special recognition.   
– It is a privilege to be the first winner from a team sport.   
– I am humbled by this award.   

Simone Biles, who played a vital role in securing the fifth consecutive gymnastics team title for the US and made history by becoming the most successful gymnast in World Championship history with a total of 25 medals – 19 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze, was awarded the title of Sportswoman of the Year.   

South Africa emerged victorious in the Rugby World Cup final against Eddie Jones’ England, earning them the Team of the Year award.    The Spanish basketball federation was also honored with the Exceptional Achievement award that night.   

Snowboarder Chloe Kim secured her second Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year award.    Oksana Masters, an American athlete in cross-country skiing, was named World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability.