Double celebration for Messi

Lionel Messi, the famous football player from Argentina, had a double celebration at the Laureus World Sports Awards. Not only did Messi’s team, Argentina, win the prestigious Team of the Year award, but Messi himself was named Sportsman of the Year as well. This is a remarkable achievement because Messi is the first athlete to win both awards in the same year.

Messi, who is also the captain of the Argentina national team, had an outstanding performance during the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar. He scored an impressive seven goals and was honored with the Golden Ball, which is given to the best player in the tournament. Argentina emerged victorious, winning the World Cup for the third time. The final match against France was especially thrilling, ending in a 3-3 draw and culminating in a penalty shootout.

The Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award went to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, a talented sprinter from Jamaica. She achieved a remarkable feat at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, where she won the gold medal in the women’s 100-meter race. This victory made her the first person ever to win five gold medals in an individual track event at the championships. Fraser-Pryce’s achievements are truly inspiring.

Upon receiving his award, Messi expressed his gratitude and acknowledged the importance of teamwork. He thanked all his teammates, both from the Argentina national team and his club team, Paris St-Germain, for their support. Messi emphasized that his success was a result of their collective effort and that he was grateful to share this achievement with them. He also mentioned that receiving the award in Paris, the city where he and his family have been welcomed since 2021, made it even more special.

Fraser-Pryce, on the other hand, was thrilled to be nominated alongside other inspiring women athletes. Winning the Laureus award was a dream come true for her, as it was her sixth time being nominated in this category. She expressed her gratitude to the voters, who are some of the greatest sportspeople of all time, and considered it one of the greatest honors of her career.

In addition to the individual awards, the Laureus World Team of the Year award was presented to the Argentina men’s football team. This award recognizes their outstanding performance and their victory in the World Cup. It was Argentina’s third time lifting the trophy, and their victory against France in the final was an incredible match that ended in a penalty shootout.

Other notable winners at the Laureus World Sports Awards included Carlos Alcaraz, who received the Breakthrough of the Year award, and Christian Eriksen, who won the Comeback of the Year award after recovering from a serious health scare.

The Laureus Sport for Good award, which honors initiatives that use sports to make a positive impact on society, was given to TeamUp. This program, supported by Barcelona and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski, aims to help children who have been displaced by war.

The Laureus World Sports Awards celebrate the achievements of athletes from around the world and inspire young sports enthusiasts. Lionel Messi, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and all the winners are shining examples of dedication, talent, and sportsmanship, inspiring children everywhere to chase their dreams and excel in their chosen sports.