Messi Speaks After Winning Special Award

After returning to training at Paris Saint-Germain on the same day, here was what Lionel Messi had to say after accepting a special award on Monday night in Paris. 

At an awards gala in Paris on Monday, the 35-year-old was named the 2023 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year following his exploits for Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Since its inception in 2000, legendary sports people such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Michael Schumacher and Usain Bolt have claimed the prestigious prize.

Accepting the award for a second time after sharing it with Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton in 2020, Messi first recalled the success he achieved during his incredible years at Barca and more recently with his country.  "I had a lot of success at Barcelona but I still had this thorn with the Argentine team, but I succeeded," he said, according to Barca Universal.

"I achieved my dream and the whole country's and it was the best thing that has happened to me and to everybody as a country after waiting for so long. So I would like to share this award with all of Argentina."

The forward also accepted the Team of the Year trophy on behalf of Argentina, saying: "This is a special honour, particularly as the Laureus World Sports Awards are in Paris this year, the city that has welcomed my family since we came here in 2021.

"I want to thank all my teammates, not only from the national team but also at PSG – I have achieved none of this alone and I am grateful to be able to share everything with them."

Messi returned to training in France on Monday after serving a one-match suspension for his controversial trip to Saudi Arabia last week, which saw him miss a training session. 

The Argentine did not have permission to travel to the Middle East, but has since apologised to the club for his action and is believed to be in contention to return to the matchday squad this coming weekend. 

While things at PSG seem to have turned sour, it was only six months ago that Messi helped inspire the Albiceleste to World Cup glory in Qatar.