Messi: I'm honoured to be first footballer to win Laureus Sportsman of the Year

Lionel Messi wins the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award for 2019, becoming the first footballer to ever win it.

The Argentina forward was not present at Monday's gala but did record a video: "Sorry that I cannot be there, I was really excited about the possibility of being present because of what it means. 

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"I want to thank the Academy for this recognition, I am really honoured to be the first footballer to win it. For me, it's. a huge pleasure. I also want to thank my teammates and my family."