Messi awarded World Sports Star of the Year

Lionel Messi has been announced as the winner of the BBC’s World Sport Star of the Year, after captaining Argentina to the World Cup in Qatar.

Messi receives the prize as part of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards, with the 35-year-old’s latest honour confirmed a day after Argentina’s triumph.

Argentina secured their first World Cup in 36 years by beating France 4-2 on penalties, following a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Lusail Stadium.

The former Barcelona star is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest footballers of all-time.

This is Messi’s first World Cup title. Messi, who plays professional football for the French club Paris Saint-Germain, also won the Golden Ball at the Qatar World Cup.

Messi scored 7 goals in 7 games in this World Cup. After winning the World Cup, Messi has been included in the list of the greatest players in the world and has reached the level of Pele and Maradona.

It meant he added football’s biggest prize to a list of trophies that includes seven Ballons d’Or titles – awarded to the best footballer each year – four Champions Leagues, one Copa America, 10 La Liga titles with Barcelona and a Ligue 1 crown with PSG.

In addition, he has scored a staggering 793 goals in his career. Messi played 172 games for Argentina and scored 98 goals.

Messi won the Copa America for the United States last year. After winning the title for Argentina, Messi has made it clear that he will not retire and has said that he wants to continue playing as a world champion player.