The Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award has been shared for the first time, with Lewis Hamilton and Lionel Messi the recipients, while Simone Biles has won the women’s award for the third time in four years.
Messi won the Ballon d’Or for a record sixth time in 2019 and the Argentina and Barcelona star is also the first athlete from team sport to win the award.
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.
‘The truth is that this is a very special award and I am honoured to be the first to win this from a team sport. Thank you very much.’
#Laureus20 @LaureusSport ❗️ Leo #Messi has the floor … https://t.co/qoHZZAPWjP
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 17, 2020
Six is also a significant number for Hamilton who won his sixth Formula One title in 2019. The Briton is now just one behind Michael Schumacher on the all-time list.
Schumacher, the former Ferrari ace, has twice been named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, with the awards this year celebrating a 20th anniversary and held in the German capital Berlin.
Simone Biles, who helped the United States to win a fifth straight gymnast team title and became the most decorated gymnast in World Championship history with 25 medals – 19 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze, was crowned Sportswoman of the Year.
South Africa won the Team of the Year award having defeated England in the Rugby World Cup final.
Also on the night, the Spanish basketball federation won the Exceptional Achievement award, which comes hot on the heels of the Spanish men’s basketball team being crowned world champions.
Snowboarder Chloe Kim won the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year for a second time while German basketball great Dirk Nowitzki received a Lifetime Achievement award.
American cross-country skier Oksana Masters was crowned World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability.