“I never stopped and everything was a lesson for me” – Lionel Messi reacts after being crowned Laureus World Sportsman of the Year

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Argentina forward Lionel Messi was recently crowned the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year for the second time in his career. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner was presented with the award at the Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony in Paris on Monday, May 8.

Lionel Messi has had a sensational season so far for club and country. He has scored 20 goals and provided 19 assists in 37 appearances for Les Parisiens and is likely to win the Ligue 1 title as well.

Messi also captained Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He scored seven goals, winning the Golden Ball, and solidifying his claim as the greatest footballer of all time.

Messi won the Sportsman of the Year award ahead of Kylian Mbappe, NBA icon Steph Curry, F1 world champion Max Verstappen, tennis icon Rafael Nadal, and Athletics star Mondo Duplantis.

Responding to the honor, Lionel Messi said (via Albiceleste Talk):

"For me to be at this gala, it's my first time here. It's an honor for me to share a nomination with all these enormous athletes whom I greatly admire, anyone could have won."

"It is always nice to receive recognition of this type, this year I was lucky to fulfill my great dream, to be world champion, it cost me a lot, almost my entire career, in between I went through everything, many joys with Barcelona and many sadness with the national team, but I never stopped, and everything was a lesson for me."

The 35-year-old added:

"There were many obstacles along the way but I always tried to improve myself, with the support of my people. I am very grateful: I was able to fulfill my dream and that of an entire country. It took time to arrive but it was the most beautiful thing that happened to me; this award goes to all of Argentina. Thank you very much."

This is the second time Lionel Messi has won the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award. He previously won it back in 2020, sharing the award with F1 driver Lewis Hamilton.

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Lionel Messi returns to training after being suspended by PSG

PSG forward Lionel Messi returned to training on Monday morning after he was suspended by the French outfit on May 2. According to ESPN, the Argentine trained alone as it was a day off the for the rest of the squad.

Messi was suspended for taking an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia following PSG's loss to Lorient last week. French media reported his penalties as a result of the suspension included 'no training, no match, and no salary.'

However, just six days later, he returned to training. PSG's official Twitter handle posted:

"Leo Messi back in training this Monday morning."

Messi publicly apologized to the club and his teammates on May 6, hence he may be available to feature in PSG's next fixture. Les Parisiens next face Ajaccio at home on May 13.