The Laureus World Sports Award for Sportsman of the Year is an annual award meant to honour the achievements of individual men from the world of sports.
The first of its kind was first awarded in 2000.
Over the years, no footballer has ever won the award but for this year, there is obviously a different story to tell.
Barcelona talisman, Lionel Messi becomes the first footballer to win this award. The football star is obviously not tired of breaking records.
However, it is noteworthy that this year, there are two winners of the awards.
Lewis Hamilton also emerged winner of the award for the year 2019 alongside Lionel Messi.
Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton is a British racing driver who races in Formula One for Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport.
Reacting to the award, Lewis Hamilton said, “Thank you @laureussport for this incredible award of World Sportsman of the Year. To even be nominated amongst such great names is an honour.
Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for both Spanish club, Barcelona and the Argentina national team.
Both sportsmen had won their sixth individual prestigious awards in their respective sports.
While Barcelona star, Messi won his sixth Ballon D’or, Lewis Hamilton was crowned the Formula 1 world champion.
Both men had a successful 2019 in their respective sports.
Other men that were in contention for this award too are:
- Eliud Kipchoge EGH is a Kenyan long-distance runner who competes in the marathon.
- Marc Márquez Alentà is a Spanish Grand Prix motorcycle road racer.
- Rafael “Rafa” Nadal Parera is a Spanish professional tennis player.
- Eldrick Tont “Tiger” Woods is an American professional golfer.
Although the footballer, Messi was not present to receive the award, he had sent a video instead.
In the video, the Argentine international sent his warm wishes to his family and teammates.
He also thanked the academy for the recognition, stating that it is an honour for him to be the first footballer to win the award.