Argentina’s World Cup winning captainLionel Messi and the Argentina men’s football team have won big at the 2023 Laureus World Sports Awards, with Messi being named Sportsman of the Year and the team being named Team of the Year.
This double win is unprecedented, as no athlete has ever won both awards in the same year. Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce took home the Sportswoman of the Year award after her fifth gold medal in an individual track event at the World Athletics Championships.
Messi expressed his gratitude to his teammates and credited their efforts in winning the award. Fraser-Pryce was thrilled to finally hold the Laureus statuette after being nominated for the sixth time in her category.
The Argentina men’s football team won the World Cup for the third time and was awarded Team of the Year, beating out tough competition from other champions.
Christian Eriksen won Comeback of the Year after returning to football following a cardiac arrest during Euro 2020, while Carlos Alcaraz was awarded World Breakthrough of the Year for his US Open win and becoming tennis’ youngest men’s number one.
Catherine Debrunner won the Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability award, and Eileen Gu won the Action Sportsperson of the Year award.
The awards were voted on by members of the Laureus Academy, consisting of sporting greats. This year’s ceremony was held in Paris, the city where Messi’s family has resided since 2021.
Overall, it was a great night for sports and celebrating the hard work and dedication of these exceptional athletes
