Lewis Hamilton, Lionel Messi Win Laureus Sportsman Award

Lewis Hamilton and Lionel Messi have jointly been awarded the ‘World Sportsman of the Year’ award, by Laureus for 2020.

The award was presented to Hamilton at the 2020 awards ceremony in Berlin. However, the six-time Formula 1 World Champion has to share the award with fellow winner Lionel Messi, reigning World's best player.

This will mark the first time the Laureus Award has been awarded to two people simultaneously.

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The awards, in their 20th year, serve as an awards ceremony for international sport, recognizing achievements and sporting excellence no matter the field of play.

Hamilton has been a regular nominee for the category, finally winning it for the first time this year, becoming the first Formula 1 driver to do so since Sebastian Vettel in 2014 and Michael Schumacher in 2004.

After receiving the award, Hamilton expressed his gratitude, saying: “Thank you @LaureusSport for this incredible award of World Sportsman of the Year. To think that my name is going to slot in alongside the legends, who have won this award before me, is really humbling. Thank you again!”

Other recent winners of the award include tennis’ Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, and athlete Usain Bolt.